APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE COMPLETES BOND PACKAGE

The Democratic majority in the Maine State House of Representatives issued the following news release:

A day after striking agreement on the framework of a $295 million bond package, the Legislature's Appropriations Committee came to agreement on the details of the areas to be funded within it. Among the highlights of what the committee has recommended is a $50 million competitive research and development fund to be administered by the Maine Technology Institute and $17 million for Land for Maine's Future.

"By making targeted investments in R&D, environmental preservation and higher education, we are creating a framework for Maine's long-term prosperity," said Speaker of the House Glenn Cummings. "Maine has to do these things in order to remain competitive in an economy that stresses innovation and knowledge."

The committee met Monday to iterate how the various pieces making up the $295 million would be broken down. Included as part of the $35.5 million to protect and preserve Maine's natural resources is $3 million to protect Maine's working waterfront.

"It's crucial that the investments we make not only lay a solid foundation to build for the future, but also preserve the unique character of our past and present," said House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven. "Protecting Maine's working waterfront and conserving natural landscapes protects the Maine brand, which drives our world-class tourism and traditional fishing economies."

The Maine Technology Institute [MTI] is charged with encouraging, promoting, stimulating and supporting research and development activity leading to the commercialization of new products and services in the State's technology-intensive industrial sectors and creating jobs for Maine people. Included in the $55 million research and development portion of the proposal is $50 million for the Maine Technology Institute that will be awarded to firms through a competitive process.

"Encouraging innovation is one key to diversifying our economy," said Speaker Cummings. "MTI is helping Maine companies develop new products and new processes. These additional resources will ensure that Maine firms stay competitive and create jobs into the future."

Late Sunday night the Appropriations Committee came to agreement on the overall aspects of the $295 million bond package with the individual items to be worked out on Monday. The committee agreed Sunday to dedicate $110 million for highways and bridges, $26 million for various other transportation matters, $43.5 million for education, $35.5 million for natural resources, $55 million for research and development, and $25 million for environmental protection. These numbers did not change on Monday, the committee focused only on how those amounts would be directed, if passed by voters at referendum.

The committee agreed that the $295 million package would be divided and sent to voters at three referendums in June of 2007, November of 2007 and November of 2008.

The following reflects the committee's recommendation for how the package will be broken down.

Bond Package Total: $295 million

EDUCATION - $43.5 MILLION

*University of Maine System: $23 million

*Community Colleges: $15.5 million

*Maine Maritime Academy: $1.5 million

*School Revolving Loan Fund: $1.5 million

*New Century Program: $2 million

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - $55 MILLION

*MTI Competitive Fund: $50 million

*FAME Economic Development Revolving Loan: $1.5 million

*Rural Development Fund: $1.5 million

*Regional Development Loan Program: $1 million

*Agriculture Marketing Loan Fund: $1 million

NATURAL RESOURCES - $35.5 MILLION

* Land for Maine's Future: $17 million

*Working Waterfront: $3 million

*Rivers: $5 million

*State Parks: $7.5 million

*Municipal Investment Trust Fund: $1.5 million

*Agricultural Irrigation: $1.5 million

ENVIRONMENTAL - $25 MILLION

* Drinking Water: $6.3 million

*Hazardous Waste Clean Up: $2 million

*Small Community Grants: $1 million

*Waste Water Construction: $12 million

*Air Monitoring: $300,000

*Municipal Landfill: $800,000

*Industrial Landfill: $300,000

*Dam Repair: $300,000

*Hatchery Repair: $2 million

TRANSPORTATION (HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE) - $110 MILLION

* Transportation (Other) - $26 Million

*Passenger Rail and Freight Rail: $13.52 million

*Trails: $1.45 million

*Ferry/Port Improvements: $2.98

*Aviation: $3.4 million

*Transit/Intermodal: $4.65 million

Bonds to Appear on the Ballot:

JUNE 2007: TOTAL: $131.3 MILLION

* $18.3 million, Environment

*$100 million, Transportation (Highways and Bridges)

*$13 million, other Transportation

NOVEMBER 2007: TOTAL: $134 MILLION

*$55 million Research and Development

*$43.5 million, Education

*$35.5 million, Natural Resources

NOVEMBER 2008: TOTAL: $29.7 MILLION

*$6.7 million, Environment

*$10 million, Transportation (Highways and Bridges)

*$13 million, other Transportation

Contact: Tim Feeley, 207/749-7578; Travis Kennedy, 207/287-1433, Kaylene Waindle, 207/615-4187.