A new “pink ribbon” license plate supporting breast cancer research and services will become a reality in Maine after a recent flurry of orders established the necessary support for the state to begin production.

According to Rep. Meredith Burgess, R-Cumberland, a breast cancer survivor and the primary sponsor of legislation to create the new specialty plate, orders reached the 2,000 mark shortly after 6 p.m. Friday. Burgess said in an e-mail the next day that a combination of media publicity, workplace notifications and word of mouth secured the necessary orders. The ordering process began in March.

Specialty plates take about six months to manufacture. The new pink ribbon plates will become available beginning in October 2008, Burgess said, to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. After an initial cost of $20, the annual renewal fee will be $15.

A spokeswoman at the Maine Cancer Foundation said Tuesday that no more orders will be accepted until the plates are available.