Senate Democratic Leadership Pleased with Bi-partisan Bond Agreement
July 27, 2005
AUGUSTA— Senate Democratic leaders today expressed their support for a bond package agreement that was unanimously approved by the Appropriations Committee earlier today. The package will leverage $225 million in matching funds for an $83 million investment, for a total investment of over $300 million in Maine’s roads and bridges, colleges and universities, environment and economy.
“I am pleased that we have been able to reach bi-partisan agreement on these investments in Maine’s future,” stated Senate President Beth Edmonds (D-Cumberland County). “A brief review of these projects clearly demonstrates that there is much exciting work being done in Maine. For example, the construction of a ‘clean room’ at the University of Maine’s Lab for Surface Science and Technology (LASST) will assist cutting edge firms in the development of new technology.”
The bond proposal contains funding for transportation, economic development, environmental cleanup, education, and the Land for Maine’s Future program.
“This package represents the culmination of work that began in February,” commented Senate Majority Leader Michael Brennan (D-Cumberland County). “Numerous legislative committees reviewed all or a portion of the bond proposals before us. This package contains those projects that give Maine the best return in terms of leveraging additional money and improving Maine’s infrastructure.”
The $83 million proposal that was agreed to Wednesday a.m. has been distilled from over $350 million in recommendations made by legislative committees.
Peggy Rotundo, Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee, expressed her pride in the work of her Committee. “The last two days have been long and often frustrating as we have struggled to reach a balance between our long list of worthy projects and concerns over the amount of state funds that could be committed. The end result is a package that will make necessary investments in many areas of Maine’s economy and infrastructure. I am especially excited about the commitment to the Land for Maine’s Future program, which preserves special and vulnerable locations for the enjoyment and use of future generations.”
The bond package is expected to be approved by the full Legislature in a one-day special session this Friday, July 29, 2005.
|
