On June 12, Maine voters will be asked whether to support Question 2, an $18.3 million environmental bond package. If approved, the money would leverage $49.5 million in federal matching funds.

Two primary uses exist for these funds. About 80 percent will be used to construct/upgrade large water pollution control projects. Some $2.9 million will be used to secure $14.5 million in federal funds for low-interest loans to qualified treatment facilities.

Twelve million dollars of the bond would leverage $18 million to assist other treatment facilities to improve water quality. The estimated statewide cost for wastewater projects is $315 million over the next five years.

Without these funds, Maine’s water bodies will remain at risk of receiving untreated or partially treated sewage, especially during heavy rain, which can cause an “overflow” of mixed sewage and rain into water supplies.

These funds would help separate rain from sewerage entering treatment plants, lessening chances of overflow.

The remaining $3.4 million would secure $17 million in federal funds for drinking water improvements. Many drinking water systems are more than 100 years old and need upgrades to keep drinking water safe.

This bond package has bipartisan support from the Legislature, and from groups like Environment Maine and the Maine Water Utilities Association. This type of infrastructure bond is also a source of good-paying construction jobs.

We urge a “yes” vote on Question 2, to make needed investments our state’s environmental infrastructure to improve water quality in Maine.

Dana Lee, Mechanic Falls

Legislative Advocate, Maine Waste Water Control Association