Mainers vote to invest in trails and science research

Voters cast their ballots at the Quimby School gymnasium in Bingham, Maine on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (Photo by Michael G. Seamans/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers voted in support of bond questions that would boost funding for a statewide trail system and science research and development grants, and appear on track to approve a third one to restore historic buildings.

The total worth of three bond initiatives is $65 million.

The measures asked voters to approve $30 million to develop and maintain a statewide trail system and a $25 million investment in technological advancements in science, environment and manufacturing.

With 94% of votes counted, the third measure appears on track to be approved with 51% of voters supporting it, according to The Associated Press. It would allocate $10 million to restore historic buildings.

That essentially means the state will be taking on a loan of $65 million, which will have to be paid back with interest, to invest in the issues Mainers voted on.

The Maine State Treasurer sells the bonds to fund the approved projects, and the state pays back the amount it borrows plus interest within a fixed time period (commonly 10 years).

Bond questions are derived from laws passed by the Maine Legislature. All three bond questions on the ballot this year required some amount of public or private investment in addition to state funding.

Develop and maintain Maine’s trails

Mainers voted for the biggest investment on the ballot this year; $30 million that will help develop, maintain and repair Maine’s hiking, biking and All Terrain Vehicle trails. 

“This resounding approval reflects how deeply Maine people value the outdoors and recognize its importance to our way of life,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands.

Now that it’s approved, the Maine Trails Program will be developed over several years to include some trails designated for non-motorized use, such as walking or biking, and some for ATV and other vehicle use. 

The investment will also help repair damage caused by climate change, flooding, severe storms or erosion. 

The bond question stemmed from L.D. 1156, a bipartisan bill brought forward in the Maine Legislature. Advocates hoped that the trail upgrade would expand and improve Maine’s outdoor recreation economy, and opponents argued the current trail system is sufficient and criticized spending with a lack of clear return on investment, according to a summary by the League of Women Voters of Maine.

Restore historic buildings

The majority of Mainers appear to back a $10 million bond to restore historic buildings in communities across the state. Although the AP has not officially called the result, AP and Decision Desk HQ numbers both indicate more than 51% of voters supported the bond, which will allow the Maine Historic Preservation Commission to offer grants to local governments or nonprofits to restore historic buildings. 

The bond question came from L.D. 912, which many organizations, art museums and local governments supported additional funding to restore historic buildings.

Investing in research and development

Mainers also voted to further research and development through grants awarded by the Maine Technology Institute to businesses and organizations that are working towards fulfilling Maine’s science and technology plan.

The plan compares the state’s science and technology infrastructure to other states, makes note of the gaps and aims to close them. This bond question was intended to offer funding to public and private entities working on research related to biomedical sciences, renewable energy and other environmental technology, or agriculture, forestry and marine technology.

Based on testimony associated with L.D. 416, the legislation that the bond question originated from, many groups believe that this bond will help Maine’s economy grow by promoting research and development, and establishing the state as a biotech hub.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE