Maine Gov. LePage signs transportation bond bill

Maine Gov. Paul LePage last week signed a bill that calls for the state's voters to consider an $85 million bond proposal to fund transportation infrastructure improvement projects.

The bill authorizes two general fund bond issues to improve highways, bridges and multimodal facilities. Voters will consider approving the measure in November, according to a press release issued by the Maine Department of Transportation.

If approved, the bond proceeds would fund projects including $17 million for ports, harbors, marine transportation, aviation, transit, and freight and passenger rail.

"This critical investment of $85 million into Maine’s transportation system will assure thousands of contractors and construction workers with long-term job security and continuing paychecks, and in turn will strengthen Maine's infrastructure and economy," said LePage.