Coalition makes pitch for land-use bond

AUGUSTA – A coalition of business, sporting, conservation and municipal organizations announced its support Tuesday for a bond issue to replenish Maine’s fund that sets aside land for public use.

A bond issue to start the Land for Maine’s Future program was first authorized in 1987 and renewed in 1999. Legislation this year seeks to place a $150 million bond issue on the November ballot to keep the program going.

Gov. John Baldacci, in his State of the State speech, called for a $100 million bond for the same purpose.

State Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan said the Land for Maine’s Future program has set aside parcels in each of Maine’s 16 counties. More than 200,000 acres have been preserved under the program, said President Dana Connors of the Maine Chamber of Commerce, which also supports the proposal.