Maine

October 16, 2009 -- Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree today joined Governor John Baldacci and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu in announcing an $8 million Department of Energy grant to develop a deepwater offshore wind test center in Maine. The funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed by Congress and signed by the President earlier this year.

“This grant will put Maine in the forefront of the deepwater offshore wind industry,” Senators Snowe and Collins and Representatives Michaud and Pingree said. “And it will help us create good paying jobs and develop new sources of clean energy produced right here in Maine.”    » read more »

October 15, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today joined U.S. Energy Secretary Chu and Maine’s Congressional Delegation in a conference call to announce that the University of Maine and Consortium partners have been awarded $8 million of Federal Recovery Act funds to expand efforts to develop offshore wind capacity.

This grant represents the foundation of an effort that will begin with testing, research and optimization of model floating wind turbines and lead to the deployment of the first 25 MW floating “Stepping Stone” ocean wind farm in the world in 10 years.    » read more »

October 14, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today submitted final comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration concerning proposals for broadband expansion in Maine.

The comments are the final step in a State process to recommend projects for funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will review the recommendations over the coming months and make the decision on funding through the Recovery Act.

In total, the Governor supported $42.7 million in proposed projects recommended by the Broadband Strategy Council and the ConnectME Authority.    » read more »

October 6, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci provided opening remarks to start a day-long conference focused on wind energy development in the State. The Maine Wind Energy Conference, From Grassroots to Blade Tips: Growing Wind Energy in Maine, brought together representatives from municipal and State government, business, economic development and other sectors.    » read more »

October 7, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today opened the final symposium of Maine’s North Star Alliance Initiative (NSAI). The initiative was created from a $14.4 million U.S. Department of Labor WIRED grant received in 2006. The grant enabled the promotion of the major workforce and economic development initiative in Maine targeting the economic cluster that includes the industries of boatbuilding, composites and marine trades.

The industry-driven, industry-focused project was established to grow these industries through workforce development, R&D, market outreach and infrastructure development.    » read more »

September 30, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today renewed a Proclamation of Civil Emergency Due to a Highly Infectious Agent, which was originally signed on Sept. 1. The proclamation enables the State to continue to better respond to the potential dangers of H1N1 flu and to facilitate a statewide vaccination campaign.

“Continued vigilance is necessary as we address the seasonal and H1N1 flu,” said Governor Baldacci. “We have built a sustained and proactive outreach effort and need to retain the flexibility by which we can pursue a responsible and aggressive vaccination and public education campaign.”    » read more »

September 17, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today said he was pleased that the full Senate has voted in support of a one-year pilot program authored by Senator Susan Collins. The provision will exempt Maine’s Interstate highway system from the current federal truck weight limit. The Collins’ proposal was part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations legislation.    » read more »

September 17, 2009 -- NORRIDEGWOCK – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci participated in the ribbon cutting of the gas-to-electricity system at Waste Management’s Crossroads Landfill. By using methane gas created through the decomposition of wastes, the facility will be able to generate enough electricity to power approximately 3,500 homes.

The Governor said he is pleased that Waste Management is working to complement the State’s efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency.    » read more »

August 24, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today ceremonially signed LD 1205, “An Act to Establish a Health Care Bill of Rights,” and LD 1444, “An Act to Protect Consumers and Small Business Owners from Rising Health Care Costs.”

“Maine remains a national leader on health care reform and consumer protections,” Governor Baldacci said. “This legislation will improve transparency in the health insurance marketplace and provide the public with more information about the quality and cost of health care services.”    » read more »

Continues fiscal state spending restraints

July 1, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed a Special Budget and Expenditure Order at the beginning of the State’s Fiscal 2010-2011 cycle. The Governor has signed similar orders since 2003. This directive places a hiring freeze on vacant positions and limits overtime, travel and other expenses. The order allows for emergency exceptions.

“My Administration has been committed to restructuring government and reducing administration at all levels and in all areas,” said Governor Baldacci. “This order is just one tool to keep in place critical measures to ensure Maine State Government operates efficiently and effectively.”

A copy of the order follows:

01 FY 10/11

July 1, 2009    » read more »

June 23, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Education is issuing almost $24 million of federal Recovery Act funds to school systems this week and next – the first of three waves of State Fiscal Stabilization Funds included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will be sent to school districts. The funds replenish the curtailment in State funds that went into effect in January as a result of the global recession and a significant drop in State revenues.    » read more »

June 22, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today ceremonially signed two bills to improve Maine’s environment and protect public health. LD 973, An Act To Provide for the Safe Collection and Recycling of Mercury-containing Lighting, and LD 1293, An Act To Require Citizen Notification of Pesticide Applications Using Aerial Spray or Air-carrier Application Equipment, were ceremonially signed in the Governor’s Office with bill sponsor Rep. Seth Berry (D-Bowdoinham), other legislators and supporters present.

“These bills advance Maine’s reputation for being at the forefront of environmentally conscious policies,” Governor Baldacci said. “Together, these initiatives continue to ensure the health and safety of our people and vibrant natural resources.”    » read more »

June 22, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed legislation to expand the Pine Tree Zone program, a signature economic development tool that provides incentives for businesses to expand in Maine or move to the State. The bill the Governor signed expands Pine Tree Zones statewide, using a two-tiered system so that more economically challenged areas have a longer benefit period.

“The Pine Tree Zone program that we established in 2003 – with its inclusion and enhancement of all Maine’s tax incentive tools for business development - is a proven economic development tool for the State,” said the Governor. “The program has resulted in more opportunities for Maine workers and businesses.”    » read more »

June 19, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed LD 285, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Consolidation of School Administrative Units to Delay All Penalties for One Year.

“Our intention has never been to punish school districts,” Governor Baldacci said. “What we want is a more efficient and affordable system that puts available resources to work for students instead of paying for unnecessary administration.”

“After careful consideration, I have decided to sign this legislation, which will delay penalties for one year for school districts that have not reorganized. This delay will give those districts working in good faith toward restructuring time to complete their work.”    » read more »

Combined with federal tax credits, total incentives for first time buyers can be as high as $15,000

June 18, 2009 -- PORTLAND – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci announced today some good news for first-time homebuyers – and for Maine’s housing market. MaineHousing is starting a new “Gift of Green” homeownership initiative that provides eligible First Home program borrowers with up to $5,500 in financial incentives to purchase a home.    » read more »