On June 12, Maine voters will be asked whether they support Question 2, an $18.3 million environmental bond package. The state bond funds are required in order to take advantage of federal matching funds. If Question 2 passes, the state will leverage $49.5 million in other funds.
About 80 percent of the funds will be used to construct and upgrade large water pollution control projects. Maine can secure $14.5 million in federal funds with just $2.9 million in state funds. This offer of five federal dollars for each state dollar provided will be added to a low-interest loan pool. A portion of the bond funds ($12 million) will be used to leverage an additional $18 million of other federal funds to be used at treatment plants across the state. The total five-year estimated cost for needed waste water projects is estimated to be $315 million.
Without these funds, Maine's water bodies will continue to be at risk of receiving untreated or only partially treated sewage, especially during heavy rain events.
The remaining $3.4 million will secure $17 million in federal funds that will be used to support public drinking water system improvements.
This bond package has received strong bipartisan endorsement of the Maine Legislature as well as Environment Maine and the Maine Water Utilities Association. This type of infrastructure bond is also a source of good-paying construction jobs.
We urge you to vote "Yes" on Question 2 to continue to improve Maine's water.
Dana K. Lee
Legislative Advocate
Maine Waste Water Control Association
