Sen. Diamond appointed to serve on Blue Ribbon Commission To Study and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State's Transportation Systems

AUGUSTA — Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, has been appointed to serve as chair of the Legislature’s Blue Ribbon Commission To Study and Recommend Funding Solutions for the State’s Transportation Systems by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash.

“Maine drivers know how dangerous our deteriorating roads can be to drive on,” said Sen. Diamond. “I look forward to working with the rest of the Blue Ribbon Commission to find real, workable solutions to improve our transportation infrastructure without unnecessarily borrowing money to pay for it. It’s going to take a bipartisan effort to solve our highway funding needs.”

The commission includes members of the legislature, representatives of various transportation interests, the Department of Transportation and Maine Turnpike Authority. The commission will study how to reform and adequately supplement infrastructure funding so that the State can provide safe and reliable roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.

The shortfall in funding related to Maine’s highway and bridge system is at least $160 million per year. Last year Maine voters authorized a $106 million bond to fund transportation improvements.

The commission will meet up to six times in 2019 and submit a report, including recommended legislation, to the Legislature’s Transportation Committee no later than December 4, 2019. Sen. Diamond serves as Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee.