Sen. Breen comments on the Mills Administration’s announcement of new LMF projects
AUGUSTA — Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, reacted on Wednesday to Gov. Janet Mills’ announcement of five new Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) projects throughout Maine.
“As Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee (AFA), and as a longtime champion of LMF’s mission, I was pleased to hear about these new projects,” said Sen. Breen. “In Maine, we are defined by our natural environment. Many of us have turned to our public lands for solace as we continue to manage the stress of living with a global pandemic. I am very glad to see that Gov. Mills is making good progress in allocating the money that AFA appropriated to protect and preserve our public lands.”
Last year, as Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, Sen. Breen secured a landmark investment in the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program. After sponsoring bond initiatives in the 129th and 130th Legislatures to fund the program, Sen. Breen finally oversaw the inclusion of $40 million for LMF in the current biennial budget. This money will leverage considerable federal and private investment in LMF, to expand Maine’s natural resources and public lands for tourists and Mainers alike to enjoy.
Increased investment in LMF will also contribute to Maine’s fight against the effects of climate change. According to the Maine Climate Council’s report, Maine Won’t Wait, our state currently has approximately 20% conserved lands. The Climate Council recommends increasing this number to 30% by 2030.
