Maine Receives $19.5 Million in Recovery Funds for Drinking Water Improvements

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April 10, 2009 -- TOPSHAM – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today joined regional U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) officials, U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and State and local officials at the Brunswick and Topsham Water District to announce Maine’s latest receipt of federal Recovery Act funds. The $19.5 million for drinking water improvements will create needed jobs and make vital updates to drinking water systems across the State.

“The Recovery funds for drinking water, taken with other resources, will allow us to complete more than $40 million worth of projects in 61 communities,” said the Governor. “It’s projected that the $40 million the State will receive could create 720 to 960 jobs.”

“This investment will create more jobs, and improve public health and safety, but it also promotes economic development,” said Governor Baldacci. “Projects in Brewer, Portland, Camden-Rockland and Yarmouth are now out to bid. Several more communities will be bidding projects over the next two weeks.”

Much of Maine’s drinking water infrastructure is more than 100 years old. It needs work. This support will make a real difference for many communities. The improvements will also allow water systems to serve more customers, allowing for growth and greater economic development.

At the water treatment facility that serves the towns of Brunswick and Topsham, $663,000 will go to work for water treatment upgrades. Groundbreaking will occur no later than Aug. 1.

Federal EPA officials also announced that Maine is receiving $1.73 million from the Recovery Act’s State Clean Diesel Grant Program. These funds will enable Maine to expand Maine’s Clean School Bus program, repower marine engines which will reduce emissions by 70 percent, among other projects.

“We are pleased to work with the Obama Administration, our Maine Congressional Delegation and the Maine Legislature to ensure that federal Recovery Act funds have the desired impact of creating jobs and improving our health and infrastructure,” said the Governor. “Nearby, Pike Industries has started work on a critical project to rebuild Interstate 295 between Topsham and Brunswick. The $31.4 million dollars project, funded by the Recovery Act, will create more than 800 jobs this spring, summer and fall.”

Information on the water improvement projects can be found on the State Recovery Act Web site: www.MaineRecovery.gov

Source: Maine Governor