PORTLAND (AP) – Mainers lent their support in early tallies to the biggest of the five long-term borrowing proposals worth $83 million on Tuesday’s ballot, a proposal that would make improvements to bridges, roads and ports.

With 155 of the state’s 634 precincts reporting, the proposal to issue $33.1 million in bonds for transportation projects was winning by a margin of 68 percent to 32 percent.

Projects that would be funded by the bond issues include replacement of the Waldo-Hancock Bridge along U.S. Route 1, reconstruction of more than 100 miles of highways and replacement or overhaul of 84 bridges. Airport and public transit improvements were included, as well.

The second-biggest bond, $20 million, was aimed largely at medical and marine research and helping small companies. More than a third of the money would go to biomedical research and development, a growing segment of the state economy.

It was leading in the vote count by a margin of 59 percent to 41 percent.

Other borrowing proposals included $12 million to conserve land, $9 million for renovations at public universities and technical schools, and $8.9 million for clean water improvements including sewage treatment plants.

The $83 million package went before voters as state general-obligation bond debt stood at $487 million, according to June 30 figures. But treasury figures also show that the state is expected to pay off $180 million in bond debt this fiscal year.

The $83 million was less than half of what Gov. John Baldacci initially proposed to boost the economy, make transportation improvements and conserve land.

Negotiations with Republicans, who wanted to limit borrowing amid concerns about state spending, resulted in the final figure.

Baldacci, noting that no new bonds have been authorized in two years, said the state is ahead of the national average in its debt-to-revenue ratio.

But Mainers who have largely been supportive of long-term borrowing in past years seemed to have the state budget woes on their minds.

“I voted no on all of the bonds,” said Victor Caron of Auburn. “We spend too much money. It doesn’t go in the right places.”

Fran Chamberland of Auburn agreed, complaining that state spending is out of control. “I voted no, straight down.”

Jody Pelletier of Lewiston said he voted for all of the bonds. “A lot of these bonds do a lot of good. They put people to work. They create more business for the state, for local townships,” Pelletier said. “If you want to make money, you have to spend money.”

Frank Lewis, 77, of Portland, voted for parts of the bond package even though he’s worried about the state of financial affairs in Augusta. “It seems like we’re constantly borrowing to put the budget through,” he said.

One voter who declined to provide his name said he voted against every bond.

“If we want these things in Maine, let’s pay for them. Let’s not sneak them through and pay for them for years to come,” the man said.

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