Gov. John Baldacci unveiled what he called Maine’s own stimulus package Wednesday, proposing $306 million in borrowing for transportation, energy-saving projects, research and development, and preservation of Maine’s cultural and natural resources.
The $306 million bond package, which has preliminary support from both parties of the Legislature, would trigger another $380 million in federal matching funds.
“Our economy depends on investing in our people, in giving them the tools they need in order to be successful,” said Baldacci during a press conference in the State House that attracted several dozen onlookers. “The plan I’m proposing does that and does it in a way we can afford.”
Baldacci proposes voter approval of the spending in two phases, $265.8 million this November and the remaining $40.4 million in June 2010. The timing is designed to make the money overlap with some $900 million coming to Maine in federal stimulus money from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was approved by Congress last month.
Gov. Baldacci’s bond package proposes: $127.8 million for roads, bridges, rail projects, ferries and aviation; $52 million for energy efficiency projects and facility upgrades at the state’s universities, community colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy; $15.5 million for energy conservation and development of offshore wind power facilities; $67.5 million for research and development grants, economic development and the redevelopment of Brunswick Naval Air Station, which is scheduled to close in 2011; and, $43.4 million for Land for Maine’s Future, working waterfronts and environmental protection.
In the next couple of weeks, the Legislature will consider Baldacci’s plan along with about 30 bond proposals submitted by legislators. In addition, Baldacci said he will propose a more extensive energy initiative at his State of the State address Tuesday.
It was unclear whether that will include another bond proposal. The Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will begin the process of sifting through all the proposals this week.
Senate Majority Leader Philip Bartlett (D-Gorham) said he was impressed with the details announced by Baldacci and expects strong support from his Democratic colleagues.
“I’m pleased with the commitment to transportation, research and development and energy projects which will make sure Maine is well positioned to be innovative,” said Bartlett. “It’s a strong package.”
Senate Minority Leader Kevin Raye (R-Perry), said his party will have to study the proposal more closely before supporting or opposing it.
“We need to carefully assess the size of the bond and make sure we’re not borrowing more money than the taxpayers can pay for,” Raye said.
Asked if there were specific provisions that caused concern, Raye said he wonders if recapitalizing the Land for Maine’s Future program is wise given the ailing economy.
“We just want to make sure we’re being responsible,” he said.
Baldacci acknowledged the tough economy, but insisted that his package of infrastructure spending will create nearly 4500 jobs on top of the thousands that will result from the stimulus funding. He also said investments that shift Maine’s energy dependence away from petroleum make sense in the long term.
“We are all sick and tired of importing energy,” he said. “We’ve been down this road too many times and it’s finally bankrupted us and the country. We’ve got to make this investment now so we don’t confront ourselves in this situation for the next 10 or 20 years. We’ve all lost our patience.”
Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, hailed Baldacci’s proposal.
“It is bold. It is significant. It is sustainable. It clearly has in its target paying jobs,” Connors said. “Perhaps it addresses very effectively, we hope, that which we all need a dose of: consumer confidence.”
Some of the specific initiatives proposed in Baldacci’s package, many of which include federal matching funds are:
– Ten million for the creation of the Maine Advanced Technology and Engineering Campus at Brunswick Naval Air Station. Run jointly by the University of Maine and Southern Maine Community College, the center would train engineers in the areas of precision manufacturing, sustainable energy systems, ship/boat building and composites.
“One of the number one reasons employers choose a site is the educated workforce,” said University of Maine President Robert Kennedy. “This is a tremendous opportunity for economic development.
– Five million in funding for infrastructure projects at Maine Maritime Academy, including some money toward the creation of the ABS Center for Advanced Engineering.
– A study of Maine’s rail corridors for future freight purposes and upgrades to state-owned lines, as well as investments to enhance passenger rail opportunities. Among these initiatives is $2 million for the purchase of a line that will complete the connection between Auburn and downtown Portland.
– Seaport and harbor improvements including $1.5 million for the Port of Eastport; $3.5 million for the Portland International Marine Terminal; and $1 million for the Small Harbor Improvement Program.
– Four million in state and federal spending for passenger ferry services, including those at Swan’s Island near Bar Harbor; the Casco Bay Transit District; and, the Maine State Ferry Service.
– A $5.5 million upgrade of the Dept. of Transportation’s fleet of 400 busses and transit vehicles, which it leases to providers across Maine.
– $3.4 million, which will trigger $9.6 million in federal funds, for the phase two of the Acadia Gateway Intermodal Center; infrastructure improvement on the park-and-ride system and rail facility upgrades on the Rockland branch to extend the Amtrak Downeaster.
– $4.6 million in funds, which will trigger $76 million in federal funds, for aviation facilities.
– $7.5 million for the Maine Marine Wind Energy Fund, which will be used for research and development of offshore wind farms.
– One million for pedestrian and bicycle trail projects across Maine, which will provide matching funds for $4 million in federal funding.
– Approximately $45 million in facilities upgrades at several University of Maine and Maine Community College System campuses.
– Two million to recapitalize the New Century grant program, which benefits a range of cultural agencies.
– Eight million to convert the east campus of the state government facilities in Augusta to alternative fuel heat, which will save more than 400,000 gallons of heating oil per year. This initiative has the potential to bring natural gas services to Augusta customers.
– Eighteen million for the Land for Maine’s Future Program, $3 million for the Working Waterfront Program and $2 million for the Endangered Community Buildings Fund. This $23 million in bond funding will trigger another $23 million in federal dollars.
– $17.4 million for waste water treatment facilities and other environmental projects.
(Statehouse News Service)
