RAYE FILES WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE BOND

For Immediate Release

March 26, 2007

AUGUSTA – Senator Kevin Raye (R-Perry) has introduced legislation that would authorize a general fund bond to make necessary repairs to Maine’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The proposal, LD 1513: An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Fund Water and Wastewater Infrastructure, would provide a $40 million investment, with a significant amount more coming from matching federal funds, to strengthen Maine’s water quality.

The $40 million bond would invest in various projects designed to improve Maine’s water infrastructure. $5 million would be used for the construction of wastewater control facilities; $5 million would go towards clean drinking water facilities; $26 million for sewer overflow issues and repairs, upgrades and new construction of wastewater pollution control facilities; and $4 million to remove and/or replace some of the 1,500 existing overboard discharge systems in the State. This last portion of the bond would also be used to offer community grants to repair failing septic systems that are polluting surface waters.

Sen. Raye’s bond proposal is enjoying a wide range of bipartisan support. Senators Phil Bartlett (D-Gorham), John Martin (D-Eagle Lake), Richard Rosen (R-Bucksport) and Doug Smith (R-Dover-Foxcroft) have cosponsor the legislation, as well as Representatives Harold Ian Emery (R-Cutler), Sean Faircloth (D-Bangor), Patrick Flood (R-Winthrop), James Hamper (R-Oxford) and Theodore Koffman (D-Bar Harbor).

Portions of the Senator’s $40 million proposal would qualify for matching funds from the federal government. With a 5:1 match ratio for both the $5 million for construction of wastewater pollution control facilities and the $5 million for drinking water facilities, the total amount Raye’s proposal would yield for water infrastructure is $90 million.

Sen. Raye is looking forward to advancing his bond proposal through the Legislature. “It is fiscally responsible and good for the environment and public health to invest in our basic water infrastructure,” he said. “This proposal will provide funding for significant and necessary repairs and projects across the state that will better ensure the safety and quality of our drinking water and water ways. It will also help address long-standing closures of clam flats in areas like East Machias and Machiasport. I’m eager to work this proposal through the process and do all I can to ensure that our water infrastructure receives the substantial attention that’s needed.”

Sen. Raye represents District 29, which includes all of Washington County and parts of Hancock and Penobscot Counties. He can be reached in Augusta at 287-1505, in Perry at 853-9406, or by e-mail at senatorraye@wwsisp.com.

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