What would you do to create 3,000 jobs in Maine?

That very question is what Maine’s Senate is confronted with today, as it works to pass an $85 million dollars bond package, LD 1826. This bond package could bring more than 3,000 jobs to Maine.

Creating jobs is an extreme priority for Maine and the nation right now, especially in a time when almost 32,000 Mainers have lost their job since the start of the recession. After all, our economic recovery depends on getting Mainers back to work. The best way to do that is to fuel our economy by investing in and expanding our public infrastructure.

LD 1826 will do just that. If it passes, $85 million in state dollars would be matched by another $54 million in federal funds. Among other  programs, the funds would be spent on the following job saving or job creating projects:

• Purchase 241 miles of Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (saves up to 1,000 jobs)
• Improved Freight rail service & Preparation for Passenger Rail Topsham-Lewiston/Auburn (120 jobs)
• Mountain Division Rail-Western Maine (120 Jobs)
• Highway Maintenance (835 jobs)
• Ocean Gateway-Portland (168 jobs)
• Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (304 jobs)
• Wastewater Treatment Facility Construction (460 jobs)

In a time when Maine families are struggling to make ends meet, this bond offers great opportunity hope.