Do you favor a $61,000,000 bond issue for improvements to highways and bridges, airports, public transit and ferry facilities; development of rail, trail and marine infrastructure; and improvements to intermodal facilities statewide that makes the State eligible for up to $120,800,000 in matching federal funds?

This question follows a long line of transportation bonds that offer something for everyone. The projects that would be funded touch all parts of the state. From hiking trails to

airport runways, all modes of transport are addressed.

The broad appeal is not just a matter of smart politics, it is one of economic survival. For many years, the state’s Highway Fund, bankrolled by fuel taxes and motor-vehicle fees, has failed to generate nearly enough revenue to keep pace with the state’s growing backlog of needed transportation maintenance and improvements. Despite Highway Fund deficits totaling nearly $100 million in the last two biennial budgets (the result of stable fuel prices, increased fuel efficiency and rising construction costs), the Legislature has refused to increase fuel taxes – a sensible and fair user fee paid all who benefit from Maine transportation, whether they live here or are visiting, delivering goods to market or just passing through – to an adequate level.

Because of this misguided frugality, the burden now falls disproportionately upon those who live here. Worse, transportation bond issues are no longer just for special projects, new initiatives that voters can evaluate and decide to accept or reject. Now, such transportation basics as resurfacing potholed country roads or cutting brush along airport runways are subjected to political campaigns.

In addition to the utter necessity of a positive vote, voters should keep a few other points in mind. The $61 million in state commitment will bring in up to $120 million in federal funds and more than $15 million in private and local funds. The $34.5 million designated for highways will attract a $61 million federal match for improvements to more than 200 miles of Maine roads in 100 projects throughout the state. Freight-related projects total $10.1 million, from bringing rail to the Loring Commerce Centre to making improvements at dozens of small harbors. The passenger component – trails, rail, buses, airports – totals $13.5 million and will leverage close to $60 million in federal funds.

The link between good transportation and a robust economy is undeniable at any time. At this particular time, the potential of transportation-related construction jobs to energize a drooping economy cannot be ignored. But, thanks to the Legislature’s failure to fund such an essential as transportation adequately and reliably, the question raised by Question 3 is not how much, if approved, it will get Maine moving, but whether, if rejected, Maine can move at all.