I am writing to express my deep concern for the lack of interest in funding science and technology programs. This is no time for our state leaders to renege on what has been an extremely successful state investment. If Maine is to compete in the new economy, an economy marked by a revolution in technology and rapid cycles of innovation-to-obsolescence, we must make science and technology funding a priority.

While science and technology is an industry in itself, it serves as the backbone for advancement in many other industry sectors. In its recently released economic development plan, “Charting Maine’s Economic Future,” the Maine Alliance and Maine Chamber of Commerce highlighted the need for Maine to make a strong commitment to science and technology as a long-term investment that will reinvigorate maturing sectors of our economy (i.e. forest products and agriculture) and boost emerging industries (i.e. marine science and environmental products.)

Consistent with that position, the alliance board of directors voted to support the Maine Science and Technology Foundation’s $1.5 million funding request. Without this funding, Maine would be at risk of losing approximately $9 million in leveraged funds from non-state sources, and could become permanently ineligible for participation in the federal Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research program which provides research funding to states poor in R&D support.

The Maine Alliance is commited to work to ensure that science and technology is appropriately funded. James D. Mullen Vice Chairman The Maine Alliance Executive vice president Webber Oil Co., Portland