The supplemental budget was significantly modified from the governor’s original proposal. Changes include: Housing units will not be closed at Charleston Correctional Facility and 15 limited-period positions will be retained there through June 2009; critical-access hospitals will not see a reduction in their Medicare reimbursement rates, maintaining the current rate of 117 percent; the reimbursement rates of hospital-based physicians will be reimbursed to 70 percent of the Medicare rate, effective Feb. 1, and the rate for non-hospital based physicians will be equalized to that rate by July 1.; and, it increases the amount transferred from the Budget Stabilization Fund by $11.1 million to $56.1 million to account for the Bureau of Revenue Services’ recently-discovered accounting error.
For more information on the supplemental budget, visit www.maine.gov/budget/budgetinfo/2008-2009budget/2009supplementalbudget.htm.
The proposed particulate emission standard is for determining a reduced setback and stack height only and is not a standard for controlling or limiting the sale of outdoor pellet boilers.
The DEP is especially interested in comment on the 0.06 lbs/MMBtu heat output emissions limit and whether an alternative emission limit is more appropriate.
The DEP is also requesting comment on a proposal to establish the same reduced setback and stack height requirements for outdoor wood boilers meeting the same 0.06 lbs/MMBTU heat output emission limit. The proposed particulate emission standard is for determining a reduced setback and stack height only, and is not a standard for controlling or limiting the sale of outdoor wood boilers.
These amendments to sections 3B(4) and 3C(4) of the rule are substantially different from the DEP’s previous proposal, which was the subject of the public hearing, and requires a 30-day comment period to give the public an opportunity to comment. The comment period will close Feb. 20.
The proposed rule change is available for public viewing online at www.maine.gov/dep/air/regulations/proposed.htm.
For more information, contact Ron Severance at the DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality Control: 17 State House Station, Augusta, 04333. He may be reached by phone at 287-2437 and his fax number is 207-287-7641.
Campers who go online to make reservations will know immediately whether the site they want to reserve is available.
Campers can make reservations at Maine state campgrounds in four ways: Online at www.CampWithMe.com; calling instate at 800-332-1501 or out-of-state at 207-624-9950; mailing reservations to: Bureau of Parks and Lands, Attention: Reservations, 22 SHS, Augusta, 04333. Mailed reservation requests must not be postmarked before Feb. 2; and, visiting the Augusta office in person.
Campers who choose to make walk-in reservations in Augusta are required to drop off their reservation requests with all appropriate forms and payment. Campers should note that computers will not be available to provide immediate confirmation. Staff will process the reservations in the order they are received throughout the business week.
Reservations are available at Sebago Lake State Park, Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle, Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Camden Hills State Park in Camden, Cobscook Bay State Park in Edmunds Township, Lake St. George State Park in Liberty, Lamoine State Park in Ellsworth, Lily Bay State Park in Greenville, Mount Blue State Park in Weld, Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft, Rangeley Lake State Park in Rangeley, and Warren Island State Park in Penobscot Bay.
Reservations can be made throughout the camping season until Sept. 13, but must be made at least two days prior to the first night’s stay.
Camping fees are payable at the time the reservations are made. Payment for Internet and telephone reservations must be made with MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or debit cards. Checks and money orders are accepted with mail-in reservation requests and from walk-in customers.
Complete information including a reservation brochure and campground maps are available from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Dept. of Conservation, State House Station #22, Augusta, 04333; telephone 287-2209. This information is also available at their website: www.campwithme.com.
State Rep. Jonathan McKane represents Edgecomb, Newcastle, Damariscotta, Bristol, South Bristol, and Monhegan Plantation, and encourages constituents to send thoughts, ideas, questions and opinions. Contact him for more information on this or any other issue at 563-5427 or by email at Jon@JonMcKane.com.
