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| August - Sept
2008 ISSUE 18—
IN THIS ISSUE: UPDATES— Free Fare Fridays -for ridding the bus available in Maine EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS Governor J. Baldacci— The Governor talks candidly about Maine's energy independent future with reserach that puts the state on the cutting edge, natural resources that can be used sustainabley, and businesses working with the state to make it happen. Pat McGowan speaks about Maine’s Wood to Energy Initiative. Commissioner Laura Fortman - explains the states’ new Job-Search –Job Match program MAINE INITIATIVES— Emergency Energy Task Force Report: —Ways to save energy and what the state is doing to help. Wood to Energy Initative— How to convert to wood pellets. MAINE COMMUNITY NEWS— MITF Community Grants – Maine awards communities across the state with funds to improve downtowns Portland Freedom Trail adds new historic markers. Holocaust Museaum opens— The Michael Klahr Museum was officially opened in Augusta A.G. Rowe — Gets alcoholic producers of energy drinks to stop HEALTHCARE NEWS— State’s Progress in HealthCare initiatives MAINE AS 'ONE COMMUNITY' NEWS— Land for Maine's Future grants announced. More than 36,000 acres will be preserved . Working Waterfront preservation grants announced MAINE'S INNOVATIVE ECONOMY— Salmon Aquaculture —New Facility is the only research center in North America New Wind Power Projects—The State gives TIFF tax breaks to wind power project in Western Mts. Off shore wind mills could meet all our energy needs, including heating needs. Composite Technology Advances Business Broadband News—Fairpoint Communications is adding jobs and Connect ME is deciding on the next round of grant recipients MAINE ECONOMIC NEWS— Taxes—Maine’s tax rating lowered because the old standard was misleading Hodgon's Yacht expands—The new facility brings high wage jobs to Richmond. Atkin's Printing— Maine’s oldest union printer is expanding while giving workers a share in profits Locally Known Organic Farms— the largest in the Northeast plans to supply the entire region with organic greens MAINE VOICES— Energy Crisis— Green color jobs are the silver lining Dem Corps— The organization is saving participants hundreds of dollars in it’s oil program NEWS FROM CONGRESS— U.S. Rep. Tom Allen— Bill to reduce heating expenses and winterization loans U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud— Economic help for small ME businesses GLOBAL NEWS— Al Gore— His global challenge to curb Global Warming ELETION NEWS— Barack Obama— His speech in Berlin
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Statistical information in this publication is obtained from state agencies and government offices. All photographs, articles, and layout are by Ramona du Houx unless otherwise indicated. Not authorized by any candidate, candidate’s committee, or the Maine Democratic Party |
New bond investments are helping to grow Maine’s creative economy and enhance the state’s quality of life
Article and photos by Ramona du Houx The 123rd Legislature, working with the Baldacci administration, passed a $295 million investment package before the downturn in the national economy hit Maine. The wisdom of Maine voters ensured that bonds, which represented these investments, were passed in 2007, enabling Maine to move forward in the 21st-century economy. Photo: With the River Dam Mill as a backdrop DECD Commissioner John Richardson delivered the MITF grant to Bidderford. Portland based Spencer Monks Development, are redeveloping the Riverdam Mill, investing approximately $32 million. "Already, highway bonds have been put to work improving the roads and bridges that carry our goods and people and connect our economy to markets across the country and around the world," said Governor Baldacci in his weekly radio address. "Already, the bonds are helping to make our water cleaner and helping our communities grow. We’re better able to build schools, preserve important open space and natural resources and protect those things that make Maine special." As part of the bond package, voters approved $1.5 million for the Municipal Investment Trust Fund (MITF). Last July MITF grants began being distributed to eight communities to enhance their downtown centers and spur regional economic development activities. "The $1.5 million bond passed last fall is going to support these communities, revitalize their downtowns, and grow the economy," said Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner John Richardson. "All eight grants are being used for improvements that will spur economic development. I hope the redevelopment success of the communities awarded this year will encourage voters to support future bonds for MITF grants. It is a vital element to Maine’s growth." The MITF grants are investments in smart growth, so that Maine will not turn into a state that looks like any other state with strip malls. Maine is fortunate to still have classic New England buildings still standing and mills that can be turned into economic centers of activity, as well as housing. Downtown revitalization programs and redevelopment initiatives help Maine communities grow, bringing diverse people together to work for their future. Supporting downtown projects with MITF grants invests in the people of Maine and the state’s future. The funds enhance Maine’s quality of life. The MITF grants include:
PHOTO: Dover-Foxcroft’s $33,000 MITF grant will enable the Center Community Theater to purchase space for retail and business use by the theater "The Municipal Investment Trust Fund is helping communities make improvements that otherwise might not be possible. The investments are creating new jobs and new opportunities. We’re helping to support a strong public-private partnership, at the same time filling needs for workforce housing, improved access to mass transit, increased public safety and enhanced natural resources," said Governor Baldacci. "These are the investments that will help Maine maintain its special qualities and character — the things we love best about our home; our unique downtowns, our environment, our open spaces, our heritage and our people."
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The
funds do more than rebuild street corners; they invest in the uniqueness of Maine. When a
sidewalk is rebuilt and trees planted, more people feel at home walking downtown, business
picks up in stores, cafes and restaurants open up, and more businesses see the potential
of the quality of life created, which in turn helps them grow. The MITF grants are
contributing to Maine’s creative economy that builds upon Maine’s Yankee
ingenuity, strength of character, and innovation.