Investing in Maine’s Transportation Infrastructure Receives Support at Public Hearing

AUGUSTA – A bond proposal to provide funding to improve Maine’s transportation infrastructure was presented today before the state’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

Sen. Bill Diamond of Windham

“This bond package will create good paying jobs for Maine people, fuel economic growth around the state, and invest in our transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Bill Diamond of Windham, sponsor of the proposal. “Improving the conditions of our roads, highways, bridges, and rails is essential for our state.”

LD 628, would authorize the state to borrow $125 million, upon voter approval, for improvements to state and municipal roads, highways and bridges, as well as for improvements to state-owned rail lines, public transportation, pedestrian trails and marine infrastructure.

“As a member of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, I am well aware of the numerous needs for our roads and bridges,” added Senator Diamond. “We are a large state geographically and it is in our economic interest to maintain the infrastructure used for Maine people and tourists to travel around our state.”

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, a third of Maine’s bridges are structurally deficient – or functionally obsolete. Poor road conditions cost the average Maine motorist $245 a year in extra repair and operating costs. Maine has the largest number of highway miles in New England but the lowest level of funding per mile. And, according to a recent report by the national research group TRIP, only seven other states have roads that are in worse shape than ours.

Members from regional planning groups, the Mayor’s Coalition, Maine Municipal Association, and local municipalities spoke in support of the bond proposal.

The committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming days.

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