Failed Maine bill proposed bonds for culvert upgrade grants

The proposal would authorize the state to issue bonds and use the proceeds for competitive culvert grants. The state could issue up to $50 million in bonds for the purposes described in the bill. Maine voters would have to approve the bond issue before these sections could take effect. The bonds would be backed by the state's full faith and credit and could run for no more than 10 years. The bill would submit the question to voters at the November election following passage. Bonds could be issued within five years after ratification, with a possible legislative extension of up to five more years.

The proposal would fund competitive grants that match local funding to upgrade or replace municipal culverts at stream crossings. Eligible applicants would include local governments, municipal conservation commissions, soil and water conservation districts, and private nonprofit groups. Grant proposals would be judged on habitat, flood readiness, urgency, design, and cost-effectiveness. Grant money could not cover all project costs. The culvert must be on a municipal road, not a state or private road. Any bond proceeds left unspent 10 years after a bond sale would go toward paying off state general obligation bonds.