Maine

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 »

May 23, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today visited Aroostook County for the fourth time since the area was hit by severe flooding earlier this month.

“It takes time for communities to recover from a natural disaster,” Governor Baldacci said. “The process has begun, but it’s far from over. All of Maine wants to make sure the folks hurt by the flooding know that we will not forget their struggles and stand ready to help.”

Today Governor Baldacci visited Fort Kent, Soldier Pond, Wallagrass, Portage and Island Falls during the trip. On Tuesday, the governor visited flood-damaged areas in Penobscot County.    » read more »

May 21, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today celebrated the signing of LD 2048, "An Act to Protect Children's Health and the Environment from Toxic Chemicals in Toys and Children's Products.” The Governor commended House Majority Leader Representative Hannah Pingree for her continued leadership in the area consumer product safety.

“Thanks to the partnership developed between the Administration, our Legislative leadership and dedicated advocates, Maine is a leader in protecting our children from harmful chemicals,” said Governor Baldacci.

The Governor said that encouraging the use of safer chemicals that provide increased protection to human health and the environment supports innovation and economic opportunity.    » read more »

May 21, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today ceremonially signed LD 2019, “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Passenger Rail Funding.” The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Boyd Marley (D-Portland), was at the ceremony, as were cosponsors and supporters of the legislation.

Train tracks, Maine: Photo by Sue (CC)

“Long before near-$4 a gallon gas prices, I joined with rail advocates to support extending our rail system for both passenger and freight in Maine,” Governor Baldacci said. “Rail is an increasingly viable option – in economic and environmental terms.”    » read more »

May 21, 2008 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today announced that the Committee approved S. 2555, “The Reducing Global Warming Pollution from Vehicles Act of 2008,” a bill that instructs the President to sign the California waiver so that California and other states can proceed with laws to improve air quality problems from cars.

On December 19, 2007, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied California’s request for the waiver – the first time in history that EPA had ever denied outright a request from California for a waiver to do more to cut air pollution.    » read more »

Requests Public Assistance for Additional Areas

May 13, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci on Friday sent an additional request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking public assistance covering Aroostook, Knox, Lincoln, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo Counties.

On Friday, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for Aroostook County as a result of the record flooding that struck the County two weeks ago.

FEMA and the State have conducted preliminary damage assessments to roads and other public infrastructure in several Maine counties including Aroostook. As a result of these assessments, the Governor is pursuing additional assistance that may be made available for local governments.    » read more »

May 2, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci has formally requested expedited federal assistance to assist the State in responding to the major disaster resulting from the record breaking flooding in Aroostook County. The letter to the President and FEMA notes that the severe rain storms, snow melt and flooding began April 28 and is continuing.

Car caught in a flood: Photo by Chris (CC)    » read more »

April 29, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci this evening has declared a State of Emergency for Aroostook County.

Severe storms, combined with snow on the ground, have created dangerous flooding conditions in Aroostook County, and particularly in the Fort Kent and Wallagrass areas.

“The National Weather Service is predicting that parts of Aroostook County could be hit by record flooding,” Governor Baldacci said. “The Maine Emergency Management Agency and my office are monitoring the situation and working closely with local emergency management officials to protect public safety.”    » read more »

April 22, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – In remembrance and honor of Spc. William Charles Koelsch III, 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 Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Spc. Koelsch died in a training accident at Fort Polk, Louisiana, earlier this month. He served with the 509th Infantry (Airborne).

Visiting hours for Spc. Koelsch are from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 23 and a funeral service is planned for 11 a.m., Thursday, April 24. The visiting hours and the funeral service will be held at Lary Funeral Home, 31 Elm Street in Milo.

Source: Maine Governor