Senate sends transportation, R&D bonds to Gov. LePage
AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate on Friday enacted two bonds to boost the state’s transportation infrastructure and investments in job-creating research and development.
“Investing in these two critical areas will make Maine more competitive,” said Senate Democratic Leader Justin Alfond, D-Portland. “There are many ways we could have chosen to invest in our state, but these two areas are among the most critical toward helping Mainers prosper.”
LD 1694, “An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Improve Highways, Bridges and Multimodal Facilities,” was enacted with a 32-2 vote. It will provide $100 million in funding for construction, repairs and maintenance of the state’s transportation infrastructure.
“Our state’s roads and bridges are the backbone of our economy, but in too many parts of our state, particularly rural areas, their quality is below par,” said Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, the lead Senate Democrat on the Transportation Committee. “This bond will allow Maine to invest in its infrastructure and the keep our communities connected to each other, and to the rest of the world.”
The Senate also enacted LD 1053 — “An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Stimulate Investment in Innovation by Maine Businesses to Produce Nationally and Globally Competitive Products and Services” — with a 28-4 vote. The bond would provide $45 million to the Maine Technology Institute for investment in research, development, and commercialization within the state’s targeted technology sectors. The bond also includes $5 million to the Maine Venture Fund.
“Research and development are critical for attracting new jobs to our state, and to training the workforce to fill those jobs,” said Sen. John Patrick, D-Rumford, the lead Senate Democrat on the Labor, Research, Commerce and Economic Development Committee. “Maine has lagged behind the rest of New England in these critical investments for our future, and I’m happy to support this bond to get us back on track.”
The bonds will be sent to Gov. Paul LePage, who has indicated his support for the bond package. The governor has 10 days to veto the bills or allow them to go out to voters for referendum.
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