A safe and strong transportation network is essential to Maine’s economy. Each year, of the $31 billion worth of goods exported from Maine, 81 percent will be transported by trucks on the state’s highways.

Despite the importance of our state’s highways to Maine businesses and economic growth, 33 percent of Maine’s major roads are in poor or mediocre conditions, costing Mainers $296 per driver each year in extra vehicle repairs and operating costs, for a total of $301 million annually. Another 33 percent of Maine’s bridges are considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

In 2011, there were 136 traffic fatalities in Maine and roadway conditions are a significant factor in approximately one-third of fatal traffic accidents. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to invest in the maintenance and improvement of our state’s highways and roads. As House chair of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, I take this responsibility seriously.

In the first session of Maine’s 126th Legislature, the Transportation Committee worked hard to develop legislation to authorize a general fund bond issue to improve highways, bridges and multimodal facilities. I co-sponsored this legislation which served as a framework for the transportation portion of the $149.5 million bond package that the Legislature approved last week.

Reaching an agreement with Republicans and the governor on a bonds package to place on the ballot this November is an accomplishment that will feed economic development for the people of Maine.

These bonds will create jobs in the short term by putting construction crews to work on improving our roads, rebuilding our classrooms and investing in the operations and training facilities that exist for the men and women who volunteer to protect our state and nation as members of the Maine National Guard.

These bonds also pave the way to future job creation by expanding our economic potential through development of our current and future workforce. Investments in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) facilities and necessary renovations at our universities and community colleges will ensure our higher education system remains competitive and prepared to train our future workers.

Democrats have fought for similar bond packages. In 2011, a bond package was crafted that would have improved our roads and bridges. This package, after winning approval from both sides of the aisle, was delayed by the chief executive of our state.

Such unnecessary delays prevented a speedy investment in infrastructure that would have helped stimulate our economy two years ago. Maine lags behind the rest of the nation in economic recovery, and these funds should have been immediately utilized to achieve positive growth for Maine.

Democrats have continued to call for a strategic bond package because Maine cannot afford to further delay targeted investment in our economy. The bond package that the Legislature authorized would provide $76 million toward repairs for highways and bridges and $24 million for port, rail and transit rail improvements.

We also approved $35.5 million for renovations and upgrades to facilities within the University of Maine and Maine Community College systems and Maine Maritime Academy. Finally, the bonds include $14 million for our state’s National Guard armories and training facilities.

In January, legislators expect to take up proposed investments in research and development, a key area for our future economic growth. This bond package will focus on bridging the gap between the lab and the marketplace.

As a rural state, Maine relies upon a strong and safe transportation system that facilitates the movement of not only the goods we produce but also the people of Maine.

I look forward to continuing the committee’s work to sustain and improve Maine’s transportation network.

Rep. Ken Theriault is serving his fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives. He serves as chairman of the House Joint Select Committee on Transportation and is also chairman of the Franco-American Caucus. He represents House District 2 and lives in Madawaska.