Governor John Baldacci has introduced legislation to authorize borrowing $160 million through revenue bonds to rebuild and fortify Maine bridges.
To pay off the bonds, amounting to $40 million per year for the next four years, Baldacci proposed increasing three fees: the vehicle registration fee from $25 per year to $35 per year; the title fee from $23 per year to $33 per year; and the vanity plate fee from $15 per year to $25 per year.
The funds would help pay for the replacement of 80 bridges and construction on another 166, according to a press release. Of the total 246 bridges, two-thirds are on the Maine Department of Transportation’s watch list.