Maine

February 4, 2009 -- AUGUSTA - Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today unveiled a new State Web page dedicated to the developing federal economic stimulus package, now called The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Web page provides information and resources so that Maine people can track the legislation’s progress in Congress and actions taken by State government related to the stimulus. Following passage and the President’s signature of the final bill, the Web page will also serve as a clearinghouse so that the public can access up-to-date information about where and how federal stimulus funds are dispersed.    » read more »

January 26, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci said that he was encouraged by President Barack Obama’s policy announcement today regarding energy and the environment. Specifically, the President directed federal regulators and the U.S. Department of Transportation to pursue policies that will lead to a cleaner environment and higher automobile fuel efficiency standards.    » read more »

January 22, 2009 -- DANFORTH – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today celebrated the startup of commercial wind operations at the Stetson Wind Project, the largest commercial wind project in Maine and New England. First Wind is operating the wind farm, in addition to its Mars Hill facility.

“Wind power generated here at Stetson Wind displaces traditional energy production that contributes to global warming and pollution,” Governor Baldacci said. “It also reduces our dependence on foreign, unstable energy sources.”    » read more »

January 22, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed an Executive Order to formalize the implementation plan developed by the Sears Island Planning Initiative’s Joint Use Planning Committee. The agreement, which was approved by the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation last week, delineates a significant parcel of Sears Island for conservation and another parcel for potential port development.

An easement was also signed today by the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust for the portion of Sears Island set aside for education, recreation and conservation purposes.    » read more »

August 12, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci issued the following statement after learning of Irving Forest Products’ intent to permanently close the Pinkham Sawmill located in Nashville Plantation.

“This is a significant blow to the hard-working families and the surrounding communities,” said Governor Baldacci. “I have instructed the Maine Department of Labor’s Rapid Response Team to be deployed to the town to address the concerns of those impacted by the closure. A session with workers will occur as soon as possible.”

About 60 workers are expected to be impacted.

Source: Maine Governor

August 12, 2008 -- PORTLAND -- Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today joined a host of sponsors and contributors for a ceremonial wall raising of the newest Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland home. The house is part of a green affordable subdivision in Portland, the first Habitat home built in Maine to meet the National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Standards.    » read more »

August 11, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci and Maine Technology Institute (MTI) President Betsy Biemann today announced that the MTI Board of Directors has approved a total of $30 million in awards to 14 applicants across Maine. Legislators, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner John Richardson, and a number of representatives from the organizations receiving the awards attended the State House event to release the list.    » read more »

AUGUSTA, Maine, July 22, 2008 -- According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), more than $5,139,716 in assistance has been approved following the severe storms and flooding that struck the northern and mid-coast regions of Maine this spring. Of that total, more than $1.9 million in grants and loans have been provided to Maine households.    » read more »

BATH, Maine July 2, 2008 – The U.S. Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a $20.7 million contract to provide ongoing Lead Yard Services for the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class AEGIS destroyer program. This option-year exercise modifies a contract initially awarded in November, 2005 and extends the period of performance through June 30, 2009.    » read more »

Maine CDC Advises Caution in Heat: Keep Cool, Drink Adequate Fluids, and Rest Frequently

June 9, 2008 -- With Maine heading into summer, it is important for all of us to prevent heat-related problems and to recognize the signs of heat illness early. Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable, yet over the past 30 years more people have died in this country from heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.

All Mainers should take some simple measures to prevent heat-related illness. However, those who are most susceptible include infants and young children, people 65 years old and older, people with a mental illness, and those who are physically ill with heart disease or high blood pressure.

These simple measures include:    » read more »

AUGUSTA, Maine, June 3, 2008 -- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to people whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the recent severe storms and flooding in Aroostook and Penobscot Counties. Those who were prevented from starting a new job or self-employment, or who are no longer working normal hours due to this disaster may also qualify for DUA assistance.

The deadline to register for DUA is approaching. Residents of Aroostook County must apply by June 13 and residents of Penobscot County must apply by June 18.    » read more »

June 3, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – In remembrance and honor of Spc. Justin L. Buxbaum, Governor John E. Baldacci has directed that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

Spc. Buxbaum died in a non-combat related incident last month in Kushamond, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Visiting hours for Spc. Buxbaum are from 2-6 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway in South Portland. A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, at Holy Cross Church on the corner of Broadway and Cottage Road in South Portland.

Source: Maine Governor

May 29, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – The death of a soldier from South Portland has been confirmed by the Department of Defense. Maine Governor John E. Baldacci mourned the soldier, who has ties to Maine. Spc. Justin L. Buxbaum died as a result of wounds received in a non-combat related incident on May 26 in Kushamond, Afghanistan. Spc. Buxbaum was from South Portland.

“All of Maine joins in mourning this promising young man,” said Governor Baldacci. “The loss is difficult to bear for the family, and we recognize that the community of South Portland has now suffered its third loss in the wars overseas. My prayers are with Spc. Buxbaum’s family and friends.”

Spc. Buxbaum was assigned to the 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.    » read more »

May 29, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci released the following statement today after learning that Katahdin Paper Co. plans to indefinitely shutdown its mill in Millinocket.

“Record-high oil prices have put Katahdin Paper’s Millinocket mill in a difficult position. The mill is one of the few in Maine that relies almost entirely on oil to generate heat and steam for the paper-making process,” Governor Baldacci said. “My administration is fully engaged in an effort to see the mill re-opened. I believe the company’s energy problem can be solved.”

Governor Baldacci said that the rapid response team from the Department of Labor is ready to support workers affected by Katahdin’s decision.    » read more »

May 28, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Justin L. Buxbaum, 23, of South Portland, Maine, died May 26 in Kushamond, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident.

He was assigned to the 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood Texas.

The incident is under investigation.

   » read more »