BOND WOULD REVITALIZE AND PROTECT MAINE’S WATERFRONTS

Posted: June 04, 2015 | Appropriations and Financial Affairs, Senator Haskell

Grant program would promote waterfront development and enhance economic activity

 

AUGUSTA –  A $10 million bond, proposed by Senator Anne Haskell of Portland, to invest in projects along the state’s waterfronts received a public hearing in the state’s Appropriations Committee today.

Sen. Anne Haskell of Portland

Sen. Anne Haskell of Portland

The bill, LD 254, “An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Support Waterfront Development,” would award grants for investment in economic revitalization, environmental enhancement, and community betterment projects along waterfronts of Maine.

 

“Maine’s waterfronts have always been an integral part of our communities and way of life,” said Senator Anne Haskell, the sponsor of the bill. “This is a vital, important and well-designed program all of our communities will benefit from now, and for years to come.”

 

The grant program is modeled off the successful Riverfront Community Development Program, which has supported a number of voluntary, community-driven river-based economic revitalization projects across Maine.

 

Bond proceeds would go towards projects such as; the development of public parks, walkways and other public spaces along waterfronts, the rehabilitation of degraded or dilapidated shorelines in downtown waterfront locations, and the restoration of native fisheries and aquatic ecosystems.

 

Funding for the bond will also require an equal local match – for every $1 spent from the fund, it will leverage $1 in public or private investment.

 

“By leveraging community dollars we can help improve and preserve the quality of life for Maine citizens ,” added Senator Haskell who represents Portland and part of Westbrook. “It is  critical that we take advantage of the tremendous economic and natural value of our State’s waterfronts.”

 

The Appropriations Committee will be holding a work session on the bill, “LD 254, “An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Support Waterfront Development,” in the coming weeks. If approved, the bond measure will go to the voters of Maine for their approval.

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