Transportation Committee Unanimously Supports Fully Funding Maine’s Roads and Bridges Account

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 31, 2007

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, January 30, the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation unanimously voted to encourage the Appropriations Committee to take the unusual step of dedicating surplus dollars in the state’s General Fund to cover funding losses in the state’s account to fund repairs for roads and bridges.

The motion, made by Representative William Browne (R-Vassalboro), the House Republican lead on the committee, and seconded by Senator Christine Savage (R-Union), the lead Senate Republican, received an 11 to 0 vote in favor of sending the message to the Appropriations Committee. Two committee members were absent.

If the Appropriations Committee chooses not to act on the suggestion made by the Transportation Committee members, and Governor Baldacci’s original budget is approved, the roads and bridges account would see a $14.2 million reduction in funding. Those dollars would have gone to necessary maintenance and repairs for Maine’s roads; a series of projects already scheduled to begin this coming spring. The Governor removed the funding because gas taxes yielded less revenue then expected.

Sen. Savage, a member of the Transportation Committee since 1994, was pleased with the display of bipartisan support for Maine’s roads among the committee’s members. “Our roads and bridges are in a state of disrepair, and the thought of neglecting them further is very troubling,” she said. “I was very encouraged that both Democrat and Republican committee members came together to acknowledge the need for action, however unconventional it might be. I sincerely hope the members of the Appropriations Committee will view our message positively and fully fund the roads and bridges, and that the Governor will interpret the Transportation Committee’s action as proof of the need for more responsible spending of taxpayer dollars.”

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