ÿþ<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML><HEAD><TITLE></TITLE> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.3132" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <DIV align=center> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=773 align=center bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD><FONT face=Arial><IMG alt="" src="http://www.mbtaonline.org/eupdate_mast.jpg" border=0 width="773" height="174"></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV> <TABLE style="BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(0,0,153) 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: rgb(0,0,153) 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: rgb(0,0,153) 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(0,0,153) 1px solid; BORDER-COLLAPSE: separate" height=1521 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=703 align=center bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD vAlign=top width=180 bgColor=#ffffcc><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp; <TABLE height=241 cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width=150 align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD>&nbsp;</TD> <TD><FONT color=#000099 size=2>June 26, 2007</FONT></TD></TR> <TR> <TD vAlign=top> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV></TD> <TD vAlign=top> <DIV><FONT color=#0000cc><STRONG></STRONG></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000099><STRONG>UPCOMING MBTA EVENTS</STRONG></FONT><BR><BR><FONT size=2><STRONG>Infrastructure Golf Tournament</STRONG></FONT><BR><FONT size=2>Thursday, July 12 <BR>Augusta Country Club<BR>9 a.m.</FONT> <BR><BR><FONT size=2><STRONG>Aroostook County Meeting</STRONG><BR>Thursday, August 2 </FONT><BR><FONT size=2>Northeastland Hotel</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2>&nbsp;Presque Isle<BR>5 p.m. <BR><BR><STRONG>Fall Convention</STRONG><BR>Friday, September 14-16 <BR>Samoset Resort</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2>Rockport </FONT><BR><BR><BR><FONT size=2><BR></FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT face=Arial size=2><EM><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2></FONT></FONT></EM></FONT></FONT></DIV></TD></TR> <TR> <TD><BR></TD> <TD> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV><EM><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2></FONT></FONT></EM><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2>Visit our <A title=Events href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mbtaonline.org%2Fevents.htm" target=_blank>events page</A> for more information or contact the MBTA office<EM> </EM></FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT face=Arial size=2><EM><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2>at (207) 622-0526.</FONT></FONT></EM></FONT></FONT></FONT><BR><BR></DIV></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></FONT><FONT face=Arial>&nbsp;</FONT></TD> <TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff> <DIV align=center><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp;</FONT> <TABLE style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: separate" cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=8 width="100%" align=left border=0> <TBODY> <TR align=left> <TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff> <DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000099><STRONG><FONT size=6>Legislature enacts LD 1790</FONT></STRONG></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000cc><STRONG><FONT size=6><FONT size=4><EM><FONT color=#ff0000>Funding withheld, but discussion to continue</FONT></EM></FONT><BR></FONT></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD></TR> <TR> <TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff> <DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>On the last day, in nearly the last hour of the legislative session, the Maine Legislature enacted LD 1790, "An Act to Secure Maine s Transportation Future."&nbsp; The bill s sponsor, Senator Dennis Damon and his Transportation Committee Co-Chair, Representative Boyd Marley, led the debate in their respective chambers. Many legislators on both sides of the aisle spoke favorably, and that led to strong bipartisan votes of 19 to 16 in the Senate and an overwhelming vote of 124 to 17 in the House. In spite of these victories, concerns over impacts to the General Fund, beginning two years from now, ultimately led to passage of amendments that removed all new funding for both highway and bridge investment and for operational support to alternate modes, including the Downeaster. &nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;<BR>While the outcome on funding was disappointing, the final results will not be known until the second session of this legislature is concluded next</FONT> <FONT size=2>year. Furthermore, as enacted, LD 1790 reflects several positive outcomes. The legislation, as finally approved:<BR></FONT></FONT> <UL> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>sets in statute comprehensive, measurable goals to guide transportation investment;</FONT> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>creates a first-ever debt policy for transportation capital spending;</FONT> <LI><FONT face=Arial size=2>creates to new financing tools to allow revenue bond financing through the Maine Municipal Bond Bank - one using GARVEE bonds and the other using state highway funds (TransCap Trust Fund). &nbsp;</FONT></LI></UL><FONT face=Arial size=2> We ve had the same old tools in the capital financing toolbox for decades, said Senator Damon, sponsor of LD 1790, adding:  It s great to have these new tools to fit the times we are in. &nbsp; </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><BR>Per the legislation enacted, MaineDOT will be back before the Transportation Committee by January 15, 2008, with recommendations pertaining to a list of numerous extraordinary transportation investment</FONT><FONT size=2> projects each exceeding $10 million in cost. The recommendations are to address, for each project, an appropriate scope, schedule for community consensus, relative priority and funding plans. At the time this report is given, MaineDOT</FONT><FONT size=2> </FONT></FONT><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>also </FONT></FONT><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>will brief the committee on the costs associated with meeting the capital investment goals enumerated in the new law. This will help the committee formulate a plan to raise revenues to fully capitalize the newly created TransCap Trust Fund.<BR>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=4><STRONG><FONT color=#000099>Commitment to continue</FONT></STRONG></FONT><BR>&nbsp;<BR>Sometimes, as in the case of LD 1790, a bill reaches the House and Senate for debate only in the final days of the session. Then, when time is short, there can emerge a commitment to continue the conversation when next convened. Clearly, that is the case in this instance given the commitments made to pursue several matters of unfinished business relative to Maine s transportation funding crisis.</FONT><BR><FONT size=2>&nbsp;<BR>The Transportation Committee will perform a study this year that will examine the jurisdiction and funding of the collector and state aid road network that comprises 80 percent of all of MaineDOT s substandard mileage.<BR></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>There will also be a joint review by the Transportation and Appropriations committees of matters concerning Maine State Police cost sharing, funding the operational needs of the Downeaster and other issues of interest to both Committees. <BR></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Senator Damon, as chair of ProsperityMaine, a</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2> newly formed legislative committee, </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>indicates that he plans to make transportation finance a significant agenda item in that forum.<BR></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>While much has been achieved, there is much more to do. Fortunately, there will be ample opportunity to attend to this unfinished work in the months and year ahead. The experiences of recent days reveal that the legislature is intent on finishing the job LD 1790 aspired to address.<BR>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=4><STRONG><FONT color=#000099>Please say thank you to Transportation Committee members supporting LD 1790</FONT></STRONG></FONT><BR>&nbsp;</FONT><BR><FONT size=2>Many thanks are in order to those who got the bill this far. First off, the 11 members of the Legislature s Transportation Committee, who supported the bill and worked hard with their colleagues to get strong votes in both bodies, particularly the House. Links to committee members who supported us are below. Please take a moment to thank them for all their hard work.<BR><A title="Senator Damon" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.maine.gov%2Flegis%2Fsenate%2Fsenators%2Fbios%2Fbio28s.htm" target=_blank><BR></A></FONT><FONT size=2><A title="Senator Damon" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.maine.gov%2Flegis%2Fsenate%2Fsenators%2Fbios%2Fbio28s.htm" target=_blank>Senator Dennis S. Damon (D-Hancock), Chair</A><BR><A title="Senator Savage" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.maine.gov%2Flegis%2Fsenate%2Fsenators%2Fbios%2Fbio22s.htm" target=_blank><BR>Senator Christine R. Savage (R-Knox)</A><BR><BR><A title="Representative Marley" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Fmarlbp.htm" target=_blank>Representative Boyd P. Marley (D-Portland), Chair</A><BR><A title="Representative Fisher" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Ffishcd.htm" target=_blank><BR>Representative Charles D. Fisher (D-Brewer)</A><BR><BR><A title="Representative Hogan" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Fhogagw.htm" target=_blank>Representative George W. Hogan, Sr. (D-Old Orchard Beach)</A><BR><A title="Representative Mazurek" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Fmazuej.htm" target=_blank><BR>Representative Edward J. Mazurek (D-Rockland)</A><BR><BR><A title="Representative Peoples" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Fpeopae.htm" target=_blank>Representative Ann E. Peoples (D-Westbrook)<BR></A><BR><A title="Representiatve Theriault" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Ftherck.htm" target=_blank>Representative Charles Ken Theriault (D-Madawaska)</A><BR><A title="Representative Browne" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Fbrowwp.htm" target=_blank><BR>Representative William P. Browne (R-Vassalboro)</A><BR><BR><A title="Representative Cebra" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Fcebrrm.htm" target=_blank>Representative Richard M. Cebra (R-Naples)</A><BR><A title="Representative Rosen" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=851756479&amp;msgid=3654078&amp;act=94I4&amp;c=14114&amp;admin=0&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fjanus.state.me.us%2Fhouse%2Fhsebios%2Frosekc.htm" target=_blank><BR>Representative Kimberley C. Rosen (R-Bucksport)</A></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2></FONT></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><FONT size=4><STRONG><FONT color=#000099>A big thanks to our coalition members</FONT></STRONG></FONT><BR>&nbsp;<BR>We also want to thank our coalition members, particularly ACM, whose staff and leadership were actively engaged throughout this long process. Many other coalition members helped in different ways, and they are too numerous to list here. Obviously, the MBTA board, led by Tim Folster and Scott Leach at the beginning of this process and, now, Lauren Corey, deserve our gratitude for the tremendous leadership, support and vision for the past year.&nbsp; While we fell short of where we wanted to be, we are more determined to work with the legislature, particularly the Appropriations Committee, as well as the governor and the administration to enlist their support and complete the task at hand.<BR></FONT></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT><FONT face=Arial><BR></FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV></TD> <TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>&nbsp; </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2><STRONG><BR></STRONG></FONT></DIV></TD></TR> <TR> <TD vAlign=top width=180> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD> <TD vAlign=top> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD> <TD vAlign=top> <DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width=773 align=center bgColor=#003366 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <P align=center><FONT face=Arial color=#003366 size=2><FONT color=#ffffff>For more information, go to the MBTA Web site at: www.mbtaonline.org or call 207-622-0526</FONT>.</FONT> </P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </BODY></HTML>