Maine Arts Commission News
Governor Unveils Bond Package
On February 18, 2004, Governor John Elias Baldacci released the details of his bond proposal that has positive ramifications for the arts
community in the State of Maine.
Aspects of the proposal are geared towards economic growth, job creation, protection of the environment through critical land conservation
efforts, as well as improvements in Maine's transportation infrastructure.
"These initiatives are designed to improve the health and welfare of all Maine citizens," stated the Governor. "My proposal is a fiscally
responsible vehicle for strategic investments for Maine."
While there are numerous components within the bond package, the Governor earmarked $20,000,000 for an economic stimulus component. Within
this amount, the Governor created New Century Community pilot programs which will receive money for previously designated Pine Tree Zones. Towns
within these zones will receive money from the $1,000,000, set aside for capital improvements for cultural resources.
Governor Baldacci has shown his commitment to Maine's Creative Economy
by earmarking monies to those towns that are committed to utilizing the arts as a vehicle for improvement and community development.
Review the
Governor's section of Maine.gov to get more details of this bond package.
Summary of Governor Baldacci's Bond Package
Economic Stimulus: $20,000,000
Capitalizes the Maine Technology Institute Applied Research Fund providing competitive grants for applied research in natural resource-based
industries including forest bio-products, marine research, aquaculture, farming, and fishing. Re-capitalizes the Small Enterprise Growth Fund
for equity investments in small Maine companies with potential for high growth and public benefit. Creates a New Century Community pilot
program for communities with a designated Pine Tree Zone for capital improvements to cultural resources. Funds weatherization of low income
single and multi-family homes. Funds family and elderly housing options for Native American tribes through the Four Directions Development
Corporation. Maintains Maine's commitment to local public schools for repairs, improvements, and renovations. Funds critical improvements and
expansion plans for the State Research Library for Business, Science, and Technology - the Raymond H. Fogler Library at the University of Maine.
This bond anticipates matching an additional $10,000,000 in funds from federal and other sources.
Health & Environment: $16,600,000
Funds lead paint remediation in low income homes. Upgrades public drinking water systems. Provides funding for hazardous site cleanup, landfill
remediation, wastewater treatment, pollution abatement and septic facilities, urban stormwater assistance and municipal brownfield remediation.
This bond anticipates matching an additional $20,000,000 in federal funding.
Land Conservation & Parks: $65,000,000
Recapitalizes the Land for Maine's Future Program with $60,000,000 over three years to continue Maine's land conservation efforts, leveraging a
minimum of $30,000,000 in required matching funds. Lead funding priorities include: (1) conservation properties in the rapidly developing areas
of southern and coastal Maine with an emphasis on public access to outdoor recreational opportunities; (2) protection via easement of traditional
public access in the North Woods and support for sustainable forestry and strategically targeted fee acquisitions in areas of very high public
value; (3) farmland protection to support an economically viable agricultural sector; (4) public access to coastal and inland waters and (5)
highly significant wildlife habitat and ecological areas. Provides additional funds of $5 million for capital improvements to state parks,
historic sites and other state-owned parks, including $1M for Capitol Park in Augusta. This bond anticipates matching an additional $30,250,000
in funds from federal and other sources.
Transportation: $18,250,000
Provides state matching funds for the Waldo-Hancock bridge replacement, funds improvements to highways and bridges, airports and state-owned
ferry vessels, rail corridors and marine infrastructure and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. This bond anticipates matching an additional
$55,250,000 in federal and other funding.
Review the Governor's section of Maine.gov to get more details of this bond package.
