Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced on January 22, 2010, that $4.8 billion in stimulus funds is available in a second round of grants and loans to expand broadband access in rural areas across the country.

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Governor Baldacci delivers his State of the State address. photos by Ramona du Houx

In his speech, the Governor said that in these challenging times, Maine people rise to the occasion, and that working together, Maine will have a more secure future.

“Despite the difficulties we face, the hard choices and hard work ahead, the next chapter in Maine’s history will be one of resurgence, growth and opportunity,” said the Governor. “The choices we make will help to determine which way Maine goes.”

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Maine Heritage Village is excited to begin its second season on May 1st, 2010. Over the winter months the village has been expanding its buildings and grounds to make room for artists and crafter’s to display more of their products for all to see.

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Johnson Outdoors Vice President Kelly Grindle (from left), Old Town City Council President Dave Mahan, Gov. John Baldacci, and Johnson Outdoors Chairman and CEO Helen Johnson-Leopold cut a ribbon to celebrate Johnson Outdoors’ consolidation of its watercraft production facility in Old Town.

Last winter Johnson Outdoors announced it would close its manufacturing facility in Ferndale, Washington, and consolidate its plastic boat manufacturing to Old Town. In November more than 150 workers and state and company officials helped them celebrate the completed move into their new facility on Gliman Falls Avenue.

Now all Old Town canoes and kayaks will be manufactured in Old Town.

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The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a $25.4 million grant for construction of a fiber-optic network that will expand high-speed Internet to rural communities that have little or no access.

Called the Three Ring Binder, the project involves the construction of a 1,100-mile network of high-capacity fiber-optic cable through northern, western, and Downeast Maine.

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Maine Technology Institute (MTI) announced grants for over $1.2 Million for Precision Manufacturing, Information Technology, Forest and Agriculture Products.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

• Maine moves forward in the clean sustainable-energy economy

• Two exclusive interviews with Governor John Baldacci on the European renewable-energy trade mission success and

• electrical transmission challenges

• John Kerry — the man behind the state’s 50-year comprehensive energy plan

• Governor Baldacci’s weatherization program starts

• Dr. Habib Dagher of UMaine’s composite lab talks about Maine’s clean-energy potential

• Maine Receives Major Federal Investment for Offshore Wind Development
• New opportunities for students with scholarships and new programs
• Maine’s new weatherization program starts
• Maine becomes New England’s tomato capital with Backyard Farms
• A new, sustainable growth plan will improve Maine’s quality of life
• U.S. Secretary LaHood is impressed with Maine’s technologies
• Heating with electricity is affordable with the Acadia
• Maine’s boat industry grows with model North Star Alliance Initiative
• Two economic development projects move Maine forward with $7.75 million
• Election Issues 2009 — including why Maine’s three port strategy is major

All photography in this issue by Ramona du Houx unless indicated

Maine is moving forward, becoming a clean-energy exporter, as well as an innovator in renewable technologies. With biofuels, high-tech windmills, and other innovations developed at the University of Maine, the state is progressing its international expertise in the green-energy economy.

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In August U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood toured the UMaine’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composite Center (AEWC), accepting an invitation from U.S. Representative Mike Michaud.

LaHood went back to Washington, DC impressed.

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