Appropriations Committee Advances $207.5 Million Bond Package to Invest in Maine’s Future

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee today voted 8-5 to advance a $207.5 million bond package consisting of investments focused on lowering long-term costs, strengthening communities, and supporting Maine’s economy.

The proposal is a coordinated effort to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Maine people—from housing shortages and aging infrastructure to clean water, food security, and the need for more resilient systems to manage stormwater and prevent flooding across the state. The package includes targeted, one-time investments designed to expand housing opportunities, repair and modernize roads and bridges, strengthen Maine’s agricultural economy, support the University of Maine System, upgrade water infrastructure, and better prepare communities for the impacts of severe weather.

Following the committee vote, the Presiding Officers and the Chairs of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee released the following statements:

“These are crucial investments in the basics: housing people can afford, infrastructure communities depend on, and systems that keep Maine safe, healthy, and connected,” said Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick). “At a time of economic uncertainty, this is a fiscally responsible way to meet urgent needs, avoid higher costs down the road, and make sure Maine is positioned for long-term stability. This process also ensures that Maine people have the final say.”

“This bond package emphasizes the very infrastructure that makes our state work, with a focus on making long overdue investments in rural Maine,” said House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford). “These initiatives will strengthen basic infrastructure – the things Mainers need every day to get things done and to keep our economy ticking.”

“Bonding allows us to make smart, targeted investments now that will save money over time and reduce pressure on the General Fund,” said Sen. Peggy Rotundo (D-Lewiston), Senate Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. “This package is carefully structured to address urgent needs while maintaining Maine’s strong fiscal footing.” 

“This package makes important investments in infrastructure Mainers rely on,” said Rep. Drew Gattine (D-Westbrook), House Chair of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. “Supporting these investments means Maine people can find safe, affordable places to live, drink clean water, and have access to healthy food grown right here in our state.”

Together, the package includes targeted investments across key areas:

Housing (LD 690) – $20 million This investment is focused on increasing housing supply in the places it is needed most by supporting rural affordable rental development and expanding mobile home opportunities—two of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to bring new units online. By targeting projects that can move quickly, this funding will help more Maine people find stable, affordable places to live while supporting workforce growth and local economies.

Transportation – $65 million This investment supports the reconstruction and rehabilitation of highways and bridges, with a focus on Priority 1, 2, and 3 roads—the core infrastructure Maine people rely on every day—while also funding critical upgrades to ports, rail, transit, and other multimodal systems that keep our state connected. It strengthens partnerships with municipalities and positions Maine to maximize federal and other matching funds, bringing additional resources into the state while reducing pressure on the General Fund and potentially saving millions over time.

University of Maine System (LD 1014) – $18.5 million This funding helps reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs by removing vacant and underutilized buildings, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing campus infrastructure. It is a fiscally responsible investment that strengthens the University of Maine System as a driver of workforce development, innovation, and economic growth.

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (LD 2094)– $45 million This investment supports Maine’s farmers, foresters, and producers by helping them modernize operations, expand capacity, and remain competitive in a changing economy. It strengthens rural communities, supports jobs, and reinforces local food systems at a time of rising costs and uncertainty.

Resiliency Infrastructure / Culverts (LD 836) – $15 million This funding upgrades municipal culverts at stream crossings—critical infrastructure that protects roads, homes, and communities from flooding and storm damage. By investing now, the state can prevent failures before they happen, avoid costly emergency repairs, and improve safety while keeping communities connected. 

Wastewater Treatment (LD 25) – $20 million This investment supports upgrades to wastewater treatment systems across Maine, helping communities modernize aging infrastructure, improve efficiency, and better manage wastewater at a time of increasing costs and environmental challenges. It protects public health and clean water while reducing long-term expenses. 

Residential Sewer and Water (LD 483) – $20 million This funding supports the expansion of residential water and sewer systems—critical infrastructure that enables housing development and supports community growth. By requiring a full local match, it ensures a strong partnership with municipalities and prioritizes projects that are ready to move forward.

Newport Courthouse – $4 million This proposal supports improvements to court infrastructure in the Newport region, ensuring access to safe, functional facilities that allow the judicial system to operate effectively and serve surrounding communities.

At a time of economic uncertainty, bonding allows the state to make these critical investments without overburdening the General Fund, while leveraging federal and local dollars and avoiding more expensive fixes down the road. 

Maine’s long-standing track record of fiscal responsibility when it comes to bonding puts the state in a strong position to make these investments now. The state has taken a cautious, disciplined approach in recent years, issuing fewer bonds and maintaining a stable financial footing. 

Under the Maine Constitution, voter approval is required before bonds can be issued. If approved by the Legislature, the proposal will go before Maine voters as a statewide referendum, where a majority vote will determine whether the investments move forward.

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