Mainers are likely to pass three bond issues in November.

The $65M includes funds that are relevant to E2Tech Members

Earlier this year the representatives in Augusta adopted and the Governor signed legislation to place before the voters a proposal for $65 million on bonds to finance three activities:  $30M for trails, $25M for R&D, and $10M for preservation of historic buildings.

E2Tech is hosting a public program in Portland on Tuesday evening, October 1, so that  businesses and individuals who are part of our community are fully aware of the proposals.

E2Tech is a non-partisan, apolitical organization, and the purpose fo the event is because millions of these dollars can and will flow to E2Tech community. Of the 47 bond issues placed before the voters since Nov. 2005, 45 of them passed, so it is likely that these three will pass too. The evening gathering is not an advocacy event. Speakers, partners, and others will not be asking voters to approve the bonds.

Trails:  $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, and E2Tech members are involved in transporation planning, surveying, and associate landscape-scale work.

R&D:  $25,000,000 bond issue for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in seven targeted sectors  - one of which is environmental and renewable energy technology.

Historic Buildings:  $10,000,000 bond issue to restore older structures owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, and E2Tech members have deep involvement in brownfields redevelopment, urban renewal, and associated construction work.  

With the required match, the total investment in Maine will be nearly $100M. Our three speakers have deep knowledge of the programs: Tara Kelly (Maine Preservation), Jenny Kordick (Maine Outdoor Brands), and Brian Whitney (Maine Technology Institute).  The 5-7 pm in-person panel discussion will be held at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute on Portland’s waterfront.