October 11, 2012
Chambers split over bond issues
The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce are split on support for four bond issues that will go before voters in November, which total $76 million in borrowing requests.
The Associated Press reported that the state chamber, representing 5,000 businesses, has put support behind all four bond measures. The Mid-Maine chamber opposes two of the proposals, including one for capital improvements in the state's higher education system and another for water and sewer upgrades.
Both chambers have supported the largest borrowing proposal, however, to support transportation projects.
The bond measures on the November ballot will include:
- $51.5 million proposed for transportation projects that include shipping port upgrades in Searsport and Eastport, transit buses, airports and improvements for medical evacuation helicopter facilities;
- $11.3 million for capital improvements in the University of Maine System, community college system and Maine Maritime Academy;
- $7.9 million to replenish a loan fund for public drinking water systems and wastewater treatment facilities; and
- $5 million to purchase land conservation easements.
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