MOSCOW — Central Maine Power Co. has begun construction on a new 39-mile transmission line.

The $33 million line will extend from Moscow to Benton. Company officials say it will enhance the reliability of power in Somerset County and be able to accommodate wind-generated electricity in the future.

The line will consist of about 465 utility poles, each 70 to 80 feet high, and is being built parallel to an existing line in an established transmission corridor.

Central Maine Power says the cost of the project will be shared by utility customers throughout New England, with CMP customers paying about 7 percent of the cost.

Completion is scheduled for next spring.

LePage touts needs of businesses

AUGUSTA — Maine Gov. Paul LePage says the key to economic prosperity is to allow private businesses a chance to succeed.

In his weekly radio address Saturday, LePage says he has heard from hundreds of business leaders at job creation workshops held this fall.

LePage says business leaders are telling him the state has to better prepare students for the jobs of today, evaluate state regulations and lower the costs of doing business in the state.

He says in the upcoming legislative session that convenes in January, he will advance an agenda that promotes education and advocates for lower taxes, streamlined regulations and smaller government.

Colleges honored for tobacco policies

BANGOR — A coalition that promotes tobacco-free policies at Maine’s colleges is giving recognition to eight colleges and universities for their efforts to address tobacco use on campus.

The Maine Tobacco-Free College Network recognized the schools at an awards ceremony in Bangor earlier this month. The schools were graded on criteria such as campus tobacco policies, the availability of tobacco-cessation information, bans on tobacco distribution and divestment of tobacco investments.

The University of Maine at Orono was given the highest rating of 10 stars.

Also honored were Kennebec Valley Community College, the University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast, Unity College, Northern Maine Community College, University of Maine at Machias, University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of New England.

Compiled from wire reports