Mainers voted in support of Bond issues that would boost funding for a statewide trail system and research and development grants, and appear on track to pass a third to restore historic buildings.
The total value of the three bond initiatives is $65 million.
The measures asked voters to approve $30 million to develop and maintain a statewide trail system and a $25 million investment in technological advances in science, the environment and manufacturing.
With 94% of the votes counted, the third measure looks set to pass with 51% of voters supporting it, according to the Associated Press. It will allocate 10 million dollars for the restoration of historical buildings.
This basically means that the state will get a loan of 65 million dollars, which will have to be paid back with interest, to invest in the issues that Mainers voted for.
Maine’s state treasury sells bonds to finance approved projects, and the state pays back the amount it borrowed plus interest within a specified period of time (usually 10 years).
Bond questions are derived from laws passed by the Maine Legislature. All three bond questions on the ballot this year required some amount of public or private investment in addition to state funding.
Develop and maintain Maine trails
Mainers voted for the biggest investment on the ballot this year; $30 million that will help develop, maintain and repair all-terrain hiking, biking and vehicle trails in Maine.
“This resounding endorsement reflects how deeply the people of Maine value nature and recognize its importance to our way of life,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands.
Now that it has been approved, The Maine Trails program will evolve over several years to include some trails designated for non-motorized use, such as walking or biking, and some for ATV and other vehicle use.
Investing WILL also help repairing damage caused by climate change, flooding, severe storms or erosion.
The bond question stemmed from LD 1156, a bipartisan bill introduced in the Maine legislature. Advocates hoped the trail upgrade would expand and improve Maine’s outdoor recreation economy, and opponents argued the current trail system is sufficient and criticized the expense with a lack of clear return on investment, according to a brief from the League of Voters Women of Maine.
Restoration of historical buildings
Most Mainers seem to support a $10 million bond to restore historic buildings in communities across the state. Although the PA has not officially called the result, PA and Decision Desk HQ numbers show that more than 51% of voters supported the tie, which will allow Maine Historic Preservation Commission to offer grants to local governments or nonprofits to restore historic buildings.
The connection question came from LD 912, which many organizations, art museums and local governments supported additional funds to restore historic buildings.
Investment in research and development
Mainers also voted for further research and development through grants awarded by the Maine Institute of Technology to businesses and organizations working toward fulfilling Maine’s science and technology plan.
The plan compares the state’s science and technology infrastructure with other states, points out gaps and aims to close them. This bond issue was intended to provide funding to public and private entities working on research related to biomedical sciences, renewable energy and other environmental technologies, or agriculture, forestry and marine technologies.
Based on testimony related to LD 416, the legislation from which the bond issue stems, many groups believe the bond will help Maine’s economy grow by promoting research and development and establishing the state as a biotech hub.
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