Maine Lawmakers OK $149.5M Education, Roads bonds

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A $149.5 million state borrowing plan for Maine's roads, bridges and education facilities is one step closer to being placed on the November ballot.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature gave final approval to the five-bill bond package proposal Thursday during a special session. The bills now head to Republican Gov. Paul LePage before going on the November ballot for voter approval.

The proposal includes $100 million for transportation projects, like roads, bridges and ports. It also puts $35.5 million toward the state's universities and community colleges for building upgrades and expansions and $14 million for armory maintenance and renovations.

Lawmakers applauded the bipartisan effort put into crafting the borrowing package on Thursday. LePage and Democratic leaders agreed to the proposal earlier this month after weeks of partisan fights over the spending plan.