AUGUSTA – Efforts to preserve open space, public attractions along waterfronts and public university and college campuses would be among the recipients of funding if Maine voters approve three bond issues totaling $134 million when they go to the polls Nov. 6.

The first proposal seeks $55 million for research and economic development. The bulk of that – $50 million – would be awarded through a competitive process administered by the Maine Technology Institute.

The second bond question seeks $43.5 million for improvements and additions at all campuses of the Maine Community College System, Maine Maritime Academy and the University of Maine System. Local school systems would also get money for repairs and renovations.

The last bond issue seeks $35.5 million in borrowing to replenish the Land for Maine’s Future program that sets aside open space for public use. Portions of the bond money would be directed to state parks and historic sites, and for riverfront projects.

Gov. John Baldacci has given his outspoken support to all three bond issues, and no organized opposition to any has surfaced.

“The decisions voters make will have a lasting effect on Maine’s children and our state’s economic future,” said Baldacci. “We must make investments today if we want to be successful in a global, information-based economy … Questions 2, 3 and 4 on November’s ballot will help create the level playing field on which our people can work and win.”

The three proposals are part of a borrowing package totaling $295 million that the Legislature earlier this year decided to send to voters in three parts. Voters in June authorized the first portion, which totaled $131 million for transportation and clean water programs.

A package worth nearly $30 million, mostly for transportation and some for environmental projects, will appear on the June 2008 ballot.

In two weeks, voters will decide on three proposals which supporters say will leverage at least $70 million in matching funds. At the same time, the $134 million to be borrowed would obligate the state to an estimated $40.5 million in interest payments, according to state Treasurer David Lemoine.

The bond issues would add to Maine’s current general and highway fund bonded indebtedness, which totals nearly $500 million with interest.

While legislative Republicans have long been wary of added bond debt, the package before voters came with the nearly unanimous support of the Legislature.

Question 2 provides $50 million for research and development, targeting biotechnology, aquaculture, and marine, composite materials, environmental and other forms of technology. Funds must be awarded to Maine-based public and private entities.

The remaining $5 million would be distributed in the form of low-interest loans for business and agricultural development.

Question 3, the $43.5 million education bond issue, earmarks $23 million for building renovations and improvements of the University of Maine System campuses, $15 million at Maine Community College System campuses, and $1.5 million at Maine Maritime Academy.

The remaining funds would go to grants and loans to school units for repairs and renovations, and to programs to revitalize downtown areas, historic and cultural sites and libraries.

Question 4 seeks $35.5 million, $17 million of it to replenish the Land for Maine’s Future program that has conserved 445,000 acres of forests, farms, waterfronts and mountaintops through purchases and easements.

The remaining funds would be earmarked for several programs, including $7.5 million for capital improvements at state parks and historic sites, $5 million for riverfront development and $3 million for working waterfront preservation, $1.5 million for grants or loans to municipalities and $1.5 million to help provide clean-water sources for farms.

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On the Net:

Maine Secretary of State, election guide: www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/2007/intent07.html

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