Question 3, state transportation, waterfront improvements: How Knox and Waldo counties voted

Wed, 11/07/2018 - 4:30am

    Here are the results of the November 6, 2018 Question 3, transportation and waterfront infrastructure referendum, as they roll in from municipalities in Knox and Waldo counties. 

    Question 3 on the 2018 General Election ballot would provide $100 million, if approved, “for construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of highways and bridges and for facilities and equipment related to ports, piers, harbors, marine transportation, freight and passenger railroads, aviation, transit and bicycle and pedestrian trails” and be used “to match an estimated $137,000,000 in federal and other funds.” Furthermore, the measure, if approved, would provide $5 million for the “upgrade of municipal culverts at stream crossings.” 

    According to the Maine Office of the Treasurer, “the total estimated life time cost is $135,150,000 representing $106,000,000 in principal and $29,150,000 in interest (assuming interest at 5.0% over 10 years).” Furthermore, the Maine Office of Fiscal and Program Review notes this bond issue would have “no significant fiscal impact” aside from the debt service costs outlined. 

    $80,000,000: Administered by the Maine Department of Transportation, this amount would go towards highways, secondary roads and bridges to “construct or reconstruct state highways that have been designated as Priority 1, 2 or 3 by the Department of Transportation,” “repair secondary roads in partnership with municipalities pursuant to the existing Municipal Partnership Initiative program” and “replace and rehabilitate bridges.” The Maine Office of the Attorney General notes that under the Municipal Partnership Initiative program, municipalities are required to contribute at least half of the project costs, while highway and bridge projects “are matched with federal funds on a ratio of 1.1 to 1 (federal to state) dollars.” Lastly, it should be noted these bond proceeds are “expected to leverage” approximately $88 million in federal and local matching funds. 

    $20,000,000: Administered by the Maine Department of Transportation, this amount “would be spent on a variety of projects, including facilities, equipment and property acquisition related to ports, harbors, marine transportation, aviation, railroads (both passenger and freight), transit (public transportation) and bicycle and pedestrian trails.” The Maine Office of the Attorney General further notes these bond proceeds are “expected to be matched” by approximately $49 million in federal, local and private funds. 

    $1,000,000: This amount would be expended by Maine Maritime Academy for “remediation of and improvements to its waterfront pier in Castine.” 

    $5,000,000: This amount would be administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection “as a competitive grant program to upgrade or replace municipal culverts at stream crossings in order to improve fish and wildlife habitats, reduce flood hazards and improve storm water management.” Furthermore, “local governments, municipal conservation commissions, soil and water conservation districts and private nonprofit organizations would be eligible to apply for these grants and would be required to provide some matching funds.”

     

    Knox County

    Question 3, transportation and waterfront infrastructure referendum Yes No
    Appleton 466 272
    Camden 2,632 570
    Cushing 498 241
    Friendship 402 228
    Hope 641 294
    Isle au Haut 62 1
    Matinicus 39 8
    North Haven 220 43
    Owls Head 631 252
    Rockland 2,241 746
    Rockport 1,595 470
    St. George 1,097 390
    South Thomaston 546 199
    Thomaston 678 581
    Union 757 467
    Vinalhaven 509 165
    Warren 1,016 671
    Washington 475 299
    TOTAL 14,505 5,897
    Waldoboro (Lincoln County) 1,479 775

     

     Waldo County

    Question 3, transportation and waterfront infrastructure referendum Yes No
    Belfast 2,609 905
    Belmont 277 182
    Brooks    
    Burnham 281 221
    Frankfort 319 203
    Freedom  

     

    Islesboro 291 84
    Jackson 169 98
    Knox 115 130
    Liberty 297 163
    Lincolnville 1,034 334
    Monroe 334 175
    Montville 325 193
    Morrill 284 202
    Northport 627 288
    Palermo 452 300
    Prospect 176 147
    Searsmont 452 288
    Searsport 874 364
    Stockton Springs 597 303
    Swanville 379 307
    Thorndike 197 170
    Troy 260 188
    Unity 477 284
    Waldo 233 167
    Winterport 1,120 721
    TOTAL 9,828 4,840