Sen. Sherman hails measure as economic development for Aroostook County

    AUGUSTA – Sen. Roger Sherman (R-Houlton) is praising a bi-partisan bond package that was negotiated over the last weekend of the legislative session and passed with a super-majority on the final day. The original bond package of $85 million did not receive the required 2/3 vote for passage as Senate Republicans held out for a more affordable and responsible package focusing on jobs and economic development.
    With the help of Governor Baldacci, leadership from both sides of the aisle negotiated over the weekend and settled on a bond package of $57.8 million of which only $44.3 million is new money.  The new package contains several key components that will benefit the citizens of Maine including $24.8 million for highway construction and repair with $7 million to secure rail service in northern Maine. In addition to the bond money, $7 million has been set aside from the Budget Stabilization Fund to provide the remaining money needed to purchase the Aroostook rail line along with $3 million to be provided by private users of the line
    “Securing funding to purchase the rail line and keeping businesses open that rely on the rail was my top legislative priority,” said Sherman. “This has been a huge educational process to help Legislators from other parts of the state understand the critical importance of that rail line to northern Maine companies and workers.”
    Sherman added, “I am very pleased that with my input the Governor and my legislative colleagues understood that the railroad, while benefitting northern Maine directly, is also a critical component of the state’s overall transportation plan to create and maintain good paying jobs.”
    Sherman also noted that as part of the bi-partisan agreement the Governor will create an oversight panel to make sure that the take over of the Aroostook line is conducted in an open and fiscally responsible manner and that the state’s interests are protected.