After much discussion at the Appropriations Committee there was not an agreement so the Democratic majority forwarded a package that included a total of $85 million dollars. Republicans who had reached an agreement last session to bond only $149 million this session declined to support this excessive level of borrowing. The result was after several late night votes on Thursday April 8th in both chambers which failed to reach the required 2/3 vote the Legislature recessed until Monday April 12th so leadership could negotiate a solution. The final package agreed to and directed by Senate Republicans offered a total of $57 million in new borrowing and a redirection of another $13 from previous approved bond funds towards projects.
Here is a summary of the bond package that was approved:
• Nearly $25 million for highway maintenance and construction statewide.
• $9 million for rail improvements in Lewiston and to restore a western Maine rail line between Portland and Fryeburg.
• $6.5 million for a deep-water ship berth in Portland.
• $5 million for development of offshore wind power.
• $5 million for a new dental school and dental care programs in rural Maine.
Here is a link to the final package details http://www.maine.gov/legis/ofpr/