AUGUSTA – Sen. Kevin Raye, R-Perry, has introduced legislation, LD 1513: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Fund Water and Wastewater Infrastructure, a proposal worth $40 million.

“It is fiscally responsible and good for the environment and public health to invest in our basic water infrastructure,” Raye said in a press release. “This proposal will provide funding for significant and necessary repairs and projects across the state that will better ensure the safety and quality of our drinking water and waterways. It will also help address long-standing closures of clam flats in areas like East Machias and Machiasport.”

Portions of the proposal would qualify for matching funds from the federal government. With a 5-1 match ratio for both the $5 million for construction of waste water pollution control facilities and the $5 million for drinking water facilities, the total amount Raye’s proposal would yield for water infrastructure is $90 million.

Sen. Raye represents District 29, which includes all of Washington County and parts of Hancock and Penobscot counties. He can be contacted in Augusta at 287-1505, in Perry at 853-9406, or by e-mail at senatorraye@wwsisp.com.