AUGUSTA, (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci outlined a $55 million state borrowing proposal Friday, saying bond proceeds would bolster Maine’s transportation and environmental protection networks and extend the Land for Maine’s Future conservation program.

The Democratic governor suggested that the overall borrowing package would sustain or spur economic growth.

More than half of the total, $30 million, would replenish funding for state efforts to secure public access to and protect undeveloped land.About $13 million would be targeted for water pollution control and wastewater treatment facilities, drinking water systems, hazardous site cleanup and other environmental upgrades.

Nearly $12 million would go toward highway, bridge, port and ferry projects.

In a “Dear Colleagues” letter to top Democratic and Republican lawmakers, Baldacci said he foresaw “the opportunity to build a bipartisan agreement … focused on essential investments that should not wait for nine or twelve months for action.”

“Sustained investment in transportation and environmental infrastructure will create construction jobs, and support expansion plans of Maine businesses by providing roads and sewer capacity. These same environmental investments protect public health and enhance our cherished natural resources – opening clam flats, restoring rivers, and restoring hazardous sites,” the governor wrote.

“My proposal also focuses on the Land for Maine’s Future program. Without action, we can not continue momentum to assure public access and secure key parcels during a period of rapidly shifting land ownership,” he added.

As Baldacci’s proposal was being circulated, Democratic Senate President Beverly Daggett of Augusta released a letter asking senators to let her office know by July 6.