AUGUSTA – When they go to the polls Tuesday, Maine voters will be asked to approve a constitutional amendment to give the state Transportation Department more flexibility in financing projects so construction delays can be avoided.

The amendment is seen as a device to help the state Transportation Department start projects sooner without having to wait for federal funding.

If approved, it would allow the state treasurer to issue short-term notes that would be repaid by federal grants. The grant anticipation notes would be similar to tax anticipation notes now widely used by municipalities to tide them over until tax revenues roll in.

Transportation Commissioner John Melrose emphasized that the proposed amendment is not a request for money but rather a cash-flow management tool used in other states.