LURC embraces challenges

I was quite interested in your June 18 article calling for a review of the Land Use Regulation Commission. While I would never be opposed to a review, I would like to offer my own observations as a commissioner since 1999.

First, through their legislative representatives, the citizens of Maine mandated budget cuts. While no one likes reductions in jobs, LURC is a people-based organization, so budget cuts force that decision. Four of those eliminated positions came from the Augusta staff. However, the Legislature has restored one field position, bringing a total of ten field staff serving the five regional offices. While I did not like to see that many positions eliminated (total of five of 26) from LURC, I respect the legislators’ decisions and view the changes as an opportunity to improve efficiency by implementing streamlined procedures and processing system.

Accomplishments since my tenure are many but a few stand out as having great impact and offer the kinds of efficiencies we all like to see in state government. LURC established five full-time service regional offices and, despite budget cuts, they will remain open to offer assistance and effective field presence. Another important initiative was the simplification of application forms and processing systems, allowing for faster commission decisions. For example, even with staff reductions, LURC processed 122 applications in May 2003. This is an historical high. Finally, one project that is visionary and will reduce staff workload is the prospective zoning established for the Rangeley area. With established zoning guidelines for future development, staff is able to focus less time on numerous individual applications that may not be appropriate for an area. This type of planning is what LURC should be doing and is parallel to how towns and cities plan for development. Future plans include this type of zoning for Moosehead Lake and Millinocket Lakes regions.

As for LURC ineffectiveness to enforce its standards, I would offer the following as examples of the 110 cases ratified by the commissioners since my tenure that had significant environmental impact. I will add that the staff, without need of commissioners’ ratification, settles hundreds of cases:

. filling and grading in excess of applicable standards, and violations of terms of previous settlement agreement;

. a boat access way constructed on the Kennebec River for a commercial whitewater rafting take-out without a permit;

. reconstruction of a land management road in violation of standards;

. construction of a breakwater into Moosehead Lake in violation of permit conditions;

. timber harvesting and road construction in violation of standards;

. shoreland alteration and accessory structure built without a permit on Moosehead Lake;

. and gravel extraction activities violation of commission standards and permit conditions.

The above are just a minute sample of the enforcement settlements that LURC staff has been able to negotiate. Also, as part of the settlement, remedial work was done to correct environmental damage, in addition to significant fines levied and paid.

As for the future, most LURC staff has embraced the challenge by viewing reductions as an opportunity to improve. Isn’t this what we, as taxpayers, want to see from our state governmental agencies? LURC staff is working on plans to continue the strong field presence and offer citizens the necessary assistance to develop their land according to established standards. Part of that process is to create an outreach education program. In addition, prospective zoning is on the horizon for the Moosehead and Millinocket Lakes regions. Another project in the works are rules that will expedite permitting through “project by standards.” Collaboration with other state agencies continues through mapping (GOAT) and taxation (MRS) database sharing, thus eliminating duplication of creating and maintaining vital information.

I continue to be amazed at the dedication and creativity demonstrated by the LURC staff. Many of them are long time employees with a wealth of knowledge and experience and are truly dedicated to the enormous job of overseeing Maine’s unorganized 10.5 million acres. While almost every day seems to offer new challenges for LURC and its staff, including budget cuts, the staff continue to look for ways to improve their services to Maine’s citizen within the confines of Legislative mandates. It has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated and professional staff and that as a resident of the unorganized territory, I feel comfortable having such a competent agency managing our land.

Jacquelyn Webber, a resident of unorganized territory T17R5, is vice chair for the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission.