CAMDEN – A new law allowing the state to accept federal money to pay for burying utility lines along streets in historic districts was touted Tuesday by a group of local innkeepers who see it as a common-sense step toward preserving community character.

LD 524, unanimously approved by the state House and Senate and signed by Gov. John Baldacci on June 2, was sponsored by state Rep. Stephen Bowen, R-Rockport.

Camden innkeepers Maryanne Shanahan, Joanne Ball and Robert Topper and resident Lavana Snyder approached Bowen after learning that Maine law prevented the state from accepting federal money to pay for utility relocation.

Most states have laws allowing them to accept federal utility relocation funds, Shanahan said.

Shanahan, Ball and Topper formed the High Street Historic District Association last year to work to persuade the state Department of Transportation to put electric, telephone and cable TV wires underground as it rebuilds U.S. Route 1 north of town.

The district is characterized by 19th century inns and fine homes and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The association argued that rather than putting up higher poles, DOT should bury the lines while sewer and water lines were being replaced below and alongside the road.

DOT did not agree to study putting the wires underground, citing the cost and the fact that the construction project had been awarded to a contractor without including that work.

Shanahan and Ball said Tuesday the bill could help other Maine towns in which a national highway system, such as Route 1, passes through a federally designated historic district.

They also credited Transportation Committee member Sen. Christine Savage, R-Union, who represents Camden, with assisting in passage of the bill.