Governor Ceremonially Signs Water Bond Bill

Pictured in photo from left to right:

Senator Phil Bartlett, Representative Dave Miramant, Paul Rodriguez Maine Waste Water Control Association Board Member, Legislative Advocate Andrew Gilmore, Maine Waste Water Control Association President Chuck Applebee, Dave Anderson MWWCA Board Member

Augusta, Maine –Governor John Baldacci Tuesday ceremonially signed a bill that authorizes a $3.4 million bond for drinking and waste-water management that will yield a five-to-one federal match. If voters approve the measure in November, Maine will receive $17 million in matching federal funds to keep our water clean.

“This bond is a win-win for Maine,” said Senator Philip Bartlett, D-Cumberland County who sponsored the bond. “It will enable us to use federal money for projects that are desperately needed for the safety of our waste and drinking water systems.  Without this bond the entire cost of these projects would be borne by the people of Maine,” added Senator Bartlett, who attended the bill signing.

Also in attendance for the bill signing were Representative Dave Miramant, D-Camden, members of the Maine Waste Water Control Association (MWWCA), the Maine Water Utilities Association, and DEP Commissioner David Littell.

“We are very pleased with the strong bipartisan support and the hard work of many people including Senator Phil Bartlett, many of our members, the Maine DEP and the Governor,” MWWCA President Chuck Applebee said. “If Maine voters pass this $3.4 million bond in November, it will attract another $17 million in federal dollars to fund critical drinking and clean water projects. This bond package is good for public health and safety and good for the state economy by putting Mainers to work on these projects and protecting and improving our infrastructure.”

Quick Facts on the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs

– Since 1988 Maine has invested $40.5M to leverage $200.9M in federal funds

– Interest is at 2% below market rate

– 99 communities have benefited

– 92% of available funds are loaned out within one year

Looking Ahead

– In the next 5 years, 71 communities have projects totaling approximately $294,000,000

– In the next 15 years, there is approximately $422,000,000 in need

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