AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci’s plan to merge four natural resources-based agencies drew mixed reviews at a legislative hearing.

The governor wants to combine the departments of Conservation, Marine Resources, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Agriculture into one superagency to save $1.5 million per year.

Supporters, including the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, say the state bureaucracy needs to adapt to better serve the public. The Bangor Daily News says opponents included the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, woodlot owners and others. Opponents say managing the four agencies’ diverse functions would prove cumbersome.

A less-drastic bill reviewed by the State and Local Government Committee would rearrange programs within the four agencies.

The committee reviews the bills again Wednesday.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

AP-ES-05-12-09 0831EDT