Political Quotes

“Maine is currently at a critical crossroads. Projected public investment for Maine's highways and bridges fall far short of the level of funding needed to maintain the system in its current condition and address the significant backlog of needs. In bridges alone, we are looking at work that is estimated to be a shortfall of over $5 million. We are looking at the road system. We are looking at shortages of $32.2 million. Maine is a very large rural State. The district I represent is the largest physical district east of the Mississippi. We are trying to repair the existing road work and the shortages that we have experienced through the last reauthorization which have left some pot holes along the way. This funding measure will go to significantly repairing the damaged roads, bridges, ports and airports. I ask for Members' support. This funding that we were under, the Federal levels have not been increased and the money that would be available under this program in these alternatives will certainly go to enhancing Maine's balanced transportation network. I encourage all of the Members to support this measure and to be able to move forward on reauthorization in a timely fashion.”