Sen. Pierce introduces bill to authorize bond for upgrades and investments across UMaine System
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Sen. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, introduced a bill to provide funds that will be strategically used to improve infrastructure at all University of Maine System campuses. LD 460, “An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Improve Student Success and Workforce Readiness Within the University of Maine System” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
“Allowing our state universities to unlock private funds to upgrade classrooms, research laboratories, residence halls and other infrastructure is essential to staying competitive in this rapidly growing economy,” said Sen. Pierce. “These investments will help the University of Maine System increase program enrollment, improve student success, and meet employer needs while benefiting the surrounding communities of the systems’ seven campuses.
University of Maine System Chancellor, Dannel Malloy testified in support of this proposed investment.
“According to an independent analysis (Gordian), our public universities are burdened by a backlog of deferred maintenance and imminent investment need that exceeds $1.6 billion,” said Chancellor Malloy. “The condition of our campuses is the biggest threat to Maine’s workforce readiness and the sustainability of our System — especially our rural campuses.”
UMaine Orono Class of 2023 Valedictorian Lara Chern, a Mechanical Engineering major and project manager at the school’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center, also testified in support of this legislation.
“Without this expansion, the rapid growth of the learning opportunities that this world-class R&D center provides for students, future innovators and leaders in the Maine workforce, will not meet its full potential,” said Chern.
Cathyrn Wimett, Chair of the University of Maine at Farmington Board of Visitors, and former educator for over 40 years, shared her perspective as a leader at the System’s oldest campus.
“At the University of Maine at Farmington, the oldest campus in the system, nearly two-thirds of the buildings have not been updated in at least 50 years. Attractive, functional buildings make a good first impression on the community and, most importantly, on potential students,” said Wimett. “Our buildings provide space for living and learning as well as space for a wide variety of community functions. UMF is the hub of the Farmington community. The strength and vibrancy of the town and all of Franklin County is tied to the health and success of its university.”
This bill faces further action in committee.
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