UPDATES—    

Property tax refunds avalible

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

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and the Land for Maine’s Future program (LMF) announced the selection of three working waterfront projects along the Maine coast, preserving commercial fisheries access across those properties forever. The The Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program (WWAPP) will purchase "working waterfront covenants" that will restrict any future development of the land which conflicts with the commercial fisheries use.

"I am pleased that the WWAPP continues to attract such strong projects that meet the program’s goal of securing strategically significant working waterfront properties. With the addition of these projects, we are making real headway toward the vision of a coastline where commercial fishermen have a strong foundation from which to pursue their livelihoods, and support the coastal economy," said George Lapointe, commissioner of the DMR and chair of the LMF board.

The Land for Maine’s Future board approved the combined award of $785,000 to projects in York Harbor, Pemaquid Harbor, and Goose Cove on Mount Desert Island to preserve the three properties valued at nearly $3 million. Representative of the working waterfronts in southern, Midcoast, and Downeast sections of Maine, the projects preserve access for a combined 28 boats which support about 60 jobs in the fisheries and direct support services. Protected by the state’s investment, use of these facilities could expand in the next few years by more than a third, creating an equal increase in new working waterfront jobs.

One of the recipients, the Old York Historical Society will restore and preserve the historic John Hancock Wharf on the York River for commercial lobster boat access and landings. Working waterfront in York Harbor is especially threatened for the 23 remaining fishing boats which operate there. In recent years development pressures have removed properties similar to the John Hancock Wharf from the fisheries, forcing most boats to unload at the overcrowded town dock. According to Scott Stevens, director of Old York, "It is very gratifying that we can preserve a living part of our community’s heritage by returning Hancock Wharf to its role serving the fisheries. This is a type of preservation not often possible."

The oldest fisheries cooperative in the country, Pemaquid Fishermen’s Cooperative in Bristol, applied for the working waterfront access funds to "preserve fishing as a way of life in our little slice of Maine." The WWAPP monies will be used to invest in infrastructure improvements that stabilize and enhance revenues to the co-op and increase membership. Adoption of modern product handling, storage, branding and marketing techniques for lobsters is also part of their plan. Co-op Manager Wayne Dighton states, "For years we have faced skyrocketing bait, fuel, and insurance costs. At the same time, we have experienced a boat glass-ceiling price for our lobsters. Our incomes as fishermen have been steadily declining. Our co-op membership is declining and aging. Younger people in our community still have an interest in lobstering but are discouraged, since it is hard to see how they can make a living doing so. We are committed to changing this situation for our children and ourselves."

Robert and Wayne Davis of Tremont, brothers and well-respected third-generation fishermen on Mount Desert Island, own one of the last full-service, fishermen-owned, commercial wharves in this popular tourist destination. With Robert’s son Matt dedicated to lobstering as well, the family will ensure that this working waterfront tradition stays in the community for commercial fishing activities. "Our lives have always been involved and intertwined in the fishing industry from the time we were young children growing up across from the wharf. It is our hope that our grandchildren have the same opportunity," the brothers affirmed. Use of the state allocation will improve their business and pay for renovations to their wharf that will save labor, and increase earnings for all the fishermen who use the wharf now and in the future.

Funding for the Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program was created in 2005 and enhanced in 2007 when Maine voters approved two bond issues totaling $5 million. To date, the program has conserved or is working on nine working waterfront properties with a combined fair market value of over $8 million. With significant funds still available, CEI Program Coordinators Hugh Cowperthwaite and Dick Clime urge fishermen, municipalities, and coastal conservation organizations to consider protecting important commercial fisheries (or aquaculture) access properties in their communities.

Applications to the WWAPP are welcomed at any time and may meet multiple deadlines throughout this year and next. Those interested in learning more may call (207) 772-5356 and ask for the Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program or go online at www.wwapp.org.