During the State of the State address Governor John Baldacci outlined his energy policies that will create jobs and propel Maine into America’s green revolution. His energy commerce corridor alone will create thousands of jobs. Baldacci’s policies have taken years to put in motion. Now with a federal partner and further state investment, they can grow the economy.

Members in Maine’s Legislature have been working along similar lines and have bills that complement the governor’s proposals.

The Legislature formed the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Energy Future to craft a new energy policy for Maine. The committee’s Senate chairman, Senator Phil Bartlett, was happy to hear about Baldacci’s focus on energy investments during the State of the State address.

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Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree introduced legislation that would create local jobs, support Maine’s traditional industries, and protect the Maine brand. The legislation calls for greater support for Maine’s working waterfronts, creating a fund to protect working farms from development, and would assist businesses seeking to process Maine seafood, produce, or livestock.

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Optimism and realistic hope for Maine’s future economic growth uplifted the 124th Legislature and many members of the public as they listened to Governor John E. Baldacci’s State of the State address on March 10, 2009.

Major initiatives in energy, healthcare, and education, which would establish Maine as an innovative state, grow jobs and the economy, were introduced. During some of his energy announcements, the governor received standing ovations from the Legislature.

“Our strengths are undeniable, and we will not be deterred. There is a path to take. We know what we must do,” began the governor.

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When Habib Dagher walked on the stage during a presentation about UMaine’s research and development (R&D) bridge composite technologies at AEWC, he was casually carrying an oversized backpack. To most everyone’s surprise, he pulled out the major component that would be the skeleton of an arch in a composite bridge. It looked like nothing more than a large blue cylinder bag.

So how does a bridge grow out of a bag, magic? From great R&D being done at the AEWC composite center.

AEWC’s arches made of composite materials are inflated at the site of a bridge and then infused with resin. Once they harden, they are lowered into place and filled with concrete and the foundations are shored up. Then the arches are covered in a corrugated, composite material, dirt and sand fills in gaps, and a composite deck on top of the structure is paved.

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Maine’s Gov. John Baldacci’s proposed $306 million bond package would make investments in energy independence, highways and bridges, passenger and freight rail, higher education, innovation, and the environment.

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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is designed to stimulate the economy. What better way than to start by improving infrastructure projects around the country? In Maine, ARRA transportation funds in conjunction with other Department of Transportation projects will create 11,000 jobs.

“Governor Baldacci and state transportation officials have done an excellent job putting together a list of critical construction projects that will repair roads and bridges around the state and put Mainers back to work immediately,” said Willy Ritch on behalf of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

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The former Times Record newspaper’s building that now houses a Southern Maine Community College extension doesn’t look like much on the outside, but what’s happening inside excites the imaginations of students looking for a new direction in life.

“It’s given me a life,” said Zachary Cain, who is in the Compass Project’s 16-week course in Brunswick. “It has taught me respect, teamwork, and how attitude is important. When I get out I’ll have a fulltime job as a carpenter, and I’ll probably go to college.”

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In October of 2006, Governor Baldacci and Maine’s hospitals signed a settlement agreement to pay a State debt obligation. In March, Baldacci began the repayment process by signing a $45 million financial order to pay the first installment towards the debt.

“In October 2006, I committed to an aggressive four-year schedule to increase hospital reimbursements and repay Maine’s hospitals for settlements owed to them,” said Governor Baldacci. “Despite difficult budget times, working with the Legislature we have been able to meet that commitment. The agreement I signed in 2006 was to bring Maine current through fiscal year 2007. With these payments, we will go beyond what we agreed to.”

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Maple Syrup Sunday offers sugarhouse tours, demonstrations and nature’s delectable maple sugar treats, as New England’s maple syrup producers open their operations to the public. It also offers time travel, as old Fort Western in Augusta opens its doors to show how important maple syrup was to settlers of the 1700s.

“It’s a great way to welcome in spring and visit with people,” said the state’s fire marshal, John Dean. He spent the day with his wife Carol and Gregory Simpson, his grandson, and they enjoyed tea brewed by Joyce at Fort Western.

Cally Sheirlyn and Chick, from Industry, celebrated Maple Syrup Sunday at Haulk’s Maple Syrup farm in Madison. “It tastes great!,” said Cally. The farm tapped 700 trees this year and is pleased prices are high.

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>Governor John Baldacci and the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation, (DOC), Patrick McGowen praised Mt. Abram High School for their ingenuity and initiative to install a new wood pellet boiler, during a tour of the facility.

“At Mt. Abram they are actually stimulating economic growth. Their plans to use wood pellets that will be manufactured just eight miles done the road at Strong’s new Geneva Wood Pellet factory helps create jobs and security in the community. The economic ripple effect will be great,” said Gov. Baldacci. “We need to be in control of our own energy supply. Seeing gas hit over $4 a gallon jeopardized businesses across the country, and has cost jobs. We never should have become so dependent on foreign energy sources. This is a shinning example of how we can begin to turn that around.”

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