AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. John Baldacci says state government finished the year in the black, with a surplus of $70.4 million.

Baldacci, who’s serving his final year in office, said Tuesday that the surplus for the fiscal year ending June 30 puts the state in a better position to tackle the upcoming two-year budget cycle. He says there are signs Maine is recovering from the recession, but he says the recovery remains fragile.

The surplus dollars aren’t up for grabs.

State law dictates that it be shared by the state’s general fund, rainy day fund, retirement system, and loan insurance reserve at the Finance Authority of Maine, as well as the governor’s contingency account.

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