Citizen opposition to bond issues often falls along these lines: (a) the state shouldn't spend money it doesn't have, and (b) when the money runs tight in my house, I cut my budget instead of borrowing more. All good points; we don't like spending or borrowing beyond our means, either.

But the true measure of a bond is what it proposes to buy, not the amount being spent. Starting or expanding a business, or buying or remodeling a home, means borrowing. If the return on the investment is sound, and the timing is right, issuing a bond makes good sense.

So, Question 6 on the ballot asks Maine voters to approve a $71.25 million bond for transportation projects, i.e. roads, bridges, railroads, ferries, ports, channel dredging, airport upgrades, plus navigation and weather equipment for LifeFlight of Maine, the rescue helicopter service.

None of what's proposed is particularly controversial, and most would trigger matching funds from private and public sources. The list of projects is a mix of the absolutely necessary — $55 million for roads and bridges, for example — and the sensibly discretionary, like installing a bulk cargo handling system at the port of Eastport and deepening the channel to Mack Point in Searsport.

Although the port of Auburn still remains the state's busiest cargo port, traffic at the seaside locales is growing; these bond funds could help their growth and provide a good return for the money.

Plus, the $1 million proposed for LifeFlight would support an operation that's already proven its worth to every community across the state. LifeFlight officials said the money — for new GPS equipment to access rural areas and improved forecasting gear — would allow them to make 300 extra flights a year.

That's money well spent.

On the highway side, the fiscal picture for the Department of Transportation almost necessitates some borrowing to get some basic projects done. With declining gasoline tax revenues and the recession's grip, the state has been unable to fund a fraction of what is imperative.

And now, of all times, is ripest for borrowing. Low interest rates and the lagging economy makes money cheap to procure, and should make the market for projects competitive and keep costs down.

The stimulus funds for road projects — $130 million — is now gone, according to MDOT. This strikes us as both excellent and frightening; the money was spent as quickly as it could, to build the economy, but barely made a dent in the state's overall need, estimated at $3.3 billion over 10 years.

Clearly, a larger debate about transportation funding needs to happen. (Especially on the gasoline tax, which cannot support Maine's transportation needs anymore.) In the interim, however, bonding small amounts to make progress on road and bridge work must occur.

For this reason, on Nov. 3, we say vote yes on Question 6.

editorialboard@sunjournal.com