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Maine lawmakers will head back to the State House on August 26 to consider $163 million in bond proposals. Once approved by the legislature, the bond packages will be placed on November’s statewide ballot.
The $163 million package significantly scales back Governor Mills’ original proposal, which was introduced when lawmakers were still in session last June. The governor’s $239 million proposed package did not obtain the necessary two-thirds approval from legislators.
The largest of the bonds is for $105 million for Maine’s roads, bridges, rail, and air transportation system. The size of this bond has remained the same as previous proposals. Last week, Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce Van Note said his department would be in a “world of hurt” if the bond was not passed, a theme echoed by Maine’s construction industry.
The bond proposal also includes $23 million for infrastructure, high-speed internet, and economic development initiatives; $20 million for conservation efforts; and $15 million for environmental protection and energy efficiency.
Governor Mills and Democratic leaders remain confident that the entire bond package will pass with strong bipartisan support, though Republican leaders have only fully endorsed the transportation bond.
No other major policy items are expected to be taken up during this special session.