(April 12, 2010) The Maine Senate approved by a vote of 31-4 a compromise bond proposal that now totals $57.8 million instead of $85 million. Several hours later, the House concurred by a vote of 102-44.

As amended, the rail related elements are as follows: $14 million is allocated for the purchase by the state of 240 miles of Montreal, Maine & Atlantic right-of-way, the Lewiston-Auburn rail improvement program will receive $5 million; and the Mountain Division allocation is $4 million instead of $5 million. Bridges and highways are allocated $24.8 million. There are other items in the bond proposal including the Portland Mega-Berth ($6.5 million), Ocean Wind ($5 million) and the York County Dental Clinic ($5 million).

Note: Some of the monies allocated to the various line items have received general fund 'enhancements' to keep the bond total at the $57.8 million level. The bottom line is that it passed both houses and the governor signed it.

This clears the way for the bond issue to go to the voters in June and November.

The Bangor Daily News has a good article on the details of the bond package.