We haven’t heard too much about Question 2 on the statewide ballot, the $100 million transportation bond, but it is an important “bread and butter” issue for Mainers. We all depend on our system, regardless of which mode of transportation we prefer. The bond includes $85 million for roads and bridges and $15 million for rail, trails, marine and airports.

Maine has a vast transportation system for which the state is responsible, including over 8,200 miles of highways, more than 3,000 bridges, three deep water ports, seven public ferry terminals, many miles of active, state-owned rail lines, and several commercial airports.

But with our small population, we don’t have a lot of people to pay for our infrastructure. Our system connects over 430 towns and 23 cities over a state that is more than three times larger than any other New England state. Borrowing money for long-term assets like bridges makes sense, especially when interest rates are below 2% and bridges last for many decades. As vehicles get cleaner, the environment improves, but fuel tax revenues decrease. Like everything else, costs are going up. In recent years construction costs have risen more than 30% while fuel taxes collected have increased by less than 1%.

If passed, the transportation bond will leverage over $250 million in federal and private funds. This is a good investment for Maine. I hope you will join my family and me in voting yes on Question 2, the transportation bond.

 

Maria Fuentes

executive director, Maine Better Transportation Association

Hallowell

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