Maine

April 16, 2009 -- AUGUSTA - Approximately 10,000 laid-off workers could benefit by the end of this year from legislation signed today by Maine Governor John Baldacci after expedited consideration by the Maine Legislature. The measure makes changes to Maine unemployment law to allow the start of an Extended Benefit Program. This provides additional weeks of unemployment benefits to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, are still unemployed, and have run out of other unemployment benefits.    » read more »

April 10, 2009 -- TOPSHAM – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today joined regional U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) officials, U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and State and local officials at the Brunswick and Topsham Water District to announce Maine’s latest receipt of federal Recovery Act funds. The $19.5 million for drinking water improvements will create needed jobs and make vital updates to drinking water systems across the State.

“The Recovery funds for drinking water, taken with other resources, will allow us to complete more than $40 million worth of projects in 61 communities,” said the Governor. “It’s projected that the $40 million the State will receive could create 720 to 960 jobs.”    » read more »

Private Sector to Partner in Feasibility Study for Future Energy Projects

March 25, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John Baldacci and Premier Shawn Graham announced today that they will work together to explore the development of a Northeast Energy Corridor.

Irving Oil also announced today that it is conducting commercial and technical feasibility on the first phase of development of the Northeast Energy Corridor, which could include 1,200 – 1,500MW of electrical transmission capability.

The improved transmission capability, along with the potential for increased natural gas co-generation, would make it possible to develop more wind power in Maine and New Brunswick.    » read more »

March 23, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed a certification to request funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the arts in Maine. The Maine Arts Commission will be distributing nearly $300,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts to arts and cultural institutions in Maine for job retention.    » read more »

Mapping and Inventory Project for Recovery Act Funding

March 18, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – The ConnectME Authority expects to apply for Recovery Act funds to further the Administration’s goal of expanding broadband throughout Maine. Preparing for such an application, the Authority has recently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified independent contractor to develop a statewide comprehensive assessment of current broadband service and infrastructure deployment.

An update of broadband availability inventory in the State is an essential part of the ConnectME Authority’s preparation for grant applications from the federal Recovery Act. The inventory will enable the Authority to focus State and federal funds where they are most needed.    » read more »

March 11, 2009 -- AUGUSTA - Maine Governor John E. Baldacci announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the process by which specific transportation projects in Caribou and Presque Isle will be completed. The MOU was signed by the Governor, Maine Department of Transportation Commission David Cole and the managers of the cities of Caribou and Presque Isle.

Last Wednesday, the Governor conducted a meeting with the Aroostook County legislative delegation, Maine Department of Transportation, and town officials and civic leaders from Houlton, Fort Kent, Caribou and Presque Isle. The Governor sought an agreement to advance pieces of the Aroostook County Transportation Study.    » read more »

March 10, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci delivered his annual State of the State Address this evening before a Joint Session of the 124th Maine Legislature.

In his speech, the Governor outlined his vision for building Maine’s economic foundation during this difficult global recession. He noted that Maine’s strengths, especially its people and natural resources, put the State in a unique position in this time in history. Opportunities exist within the areas of energy, health care and education, if the right investments are made now. Building off of the federal Recovery Act, these investments will create jobs and strengthen our economy.

The Governor highlighted a number of initiatives.    » read more »

March 6, 2009 -- WELLS – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today met with officials in the Town of Wells to discuss the impact of the planned closure of RR Donnelley. The printing plant announced on Wednesday that it plans to close its Wells facility in June, affecting 370 workers.

“We are here for the workers, here for the families and here for the community,” Governor Baldacci said. “This will have a huge impact for the region and for the State. Acting Town Manager Mike Houston and other officials in the area are already thinking about what else can be done. It gives you a great sense of confidence that people are looking forward and not dwelling on the past.”    » read more »

March 6, 2009 -- AUGUSTA - Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today unveiled an improved version of the State Web page dedicated to the federal Recovery Act. Through the enhanced site, http://www.MaineRecovery.gov, Mainers can access up-to-date information about where and how federal recovery funds are dispersed.

“Maine people expect and deserve access on the impact of the Recovery Act,” said Governor Baldacci. “This improved Web page provides clear information about how the funds will be spent in a user-friendly format.”

The original Web page was launched on Feb. 4 as a clearinghouse of information and resources for tracking the federal Recovery Act’s progress in Congress and actions taken by State government related to the Recovery Act.    » read more »

Plan Focuses on Job Creation, Economic Growth, Energy Independence

March 4, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today released the details of a three-year, $306 million investment strategy that will create jobs and strengthen Maine’s economy.

“Two weeks ago, President Obama signed the most significant economic recovery law in modern history,” Governor Baldacci said. “But we all know that the recovery package can’t address all of Maine’s needs. We must do our part to create jobs and strengthen our economy.”

The Governor’s proposed bond package makes critical investments in energy independence, highways and bridges, passenger and freight rail, higher education, innovation and the environment.    » read more »

February 26, 2009 -- LEWISTON – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today celebrated the grand opening of a 300-ton wood pellet depot at The Heutz Oil Facility in Lewiston. The facility is the second regional pellet storage facility in the State.

“We must move forward with decreasing our dependency on foreign, expensive and polluting energy,” Governor Baldacci said. “Kicking the oil habit will keep valuable financial resources of hard working Maine families and businesses here in the State, and we will decrease harmful carbon emissions. It will also create and sustain new green businesses and jobs right here in Maine.”    » read more »

February 25, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today received a detailed report on the effects of greenhouse gas and other pollutants on Maine’s climate. The report: “Maine’s Climate Future: An Initial Assessment,” investigates the progression of climate change and its impact on the State of Maine. The Governor had requested the analysis from the University of Maine to assist his Administration and the Legislature in determining ways to address climate change now and into the future.    » read more »

February 23, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci has issued an Emergency Declaration extending the hours of service for power crews to help restore electricity.

The Emergency Declaration was issued at 9 a.m. today to expedite power restoration for the households and businesses in the State currently without electricity.

Governor Baldacci participated in several calls yesterday and this morning and has been fully briefed on the winter storm. He remains in close contact with officials at the Maine Emergency Management Agency.    » read more »

February 17, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed an Executive Order to ensure accountability, transparency and Legislative oversight during the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“With the federal stimulus package signed today by President Obama, we have an opportunity to create jobs, avoid layoffs, make much-needed improvements in our State’s infrastructure and invest in education,” Governor Baldacci said. “Now it is my responsibility to make sure we act transparently and quickly to get the new funding into the economy and get people back to work.”    » read more »

February 11, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci released the following statement on the negotiations occurring between the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“The U.S. economy is on the brink of a catastrophe. Families in Maine and across our country are struggling. People are losing their jobs, losing their homes and losing hope. That cannot be allowed to happen,” Governor Baldacci said.    » read more »