In a move that is technically too late to affect the Lewiston Maineiacs in the 2004-05 season, but may have an impact on future seasons, U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced Monday that she will introduce legislation to allow members of minor league teams and certain amateur sports teams to receive P-1 work visas to enter the United States.

These P-1 visas are the same as those used by professional sports teams, and would resolve the problems the Maineiacs’ have encountered with bringing their players across the border from Canada.

“Sports teams in Maine and across the nation have been unable to bring some of their most talented prospects to the United States. Major league sports have also lost a traditional source of talent for their teams,” Collins said in a press release.

According to the release, the legislation will also affect teams such as the Portland Sea Dogs and other minor league baseball teams who have had trouble bringing in prospects from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Since it affects Major League Baseball indirectly, the league has also stepped in to support the measure.

“This initiative by Senator Collins is an effective solution for not only the Lewiston Maineiacs, but the many other minor league sports teams who are currently facing similar issues,” Matt McKnight, the team’s vice president & governor, said in a statement released by the club. “Expanding the P’ category is the sensible approach to address the specific needs of athletes while simultaneously reducing the current demand that presently exceeds the cap on H-2B visas.”

Earlier this year, the Maineiacs solved the primary issue with its work visa situation by making sure that no home games were scheduled at the Colisee until Oct. 1.

There now are 15 days until the Maineiacs open up this year’s training camp.