Mainers know a thing or two about rough roads. It seems that every year, new potholes, ruts and frost heaves pose risks to our vehicles’ tires, alignment and suspension. We can all relate to that, but have you thought about how the poor condition of roads hinders economic development?
A strong transportation infrastructure is a basic requirement for economic development. That relationship is at the heart of Question 3 on the statewide ballot. Question 3 is an $85 million transportation bond proposal that the Legislature sent to voters after it won the required two-thirds approval in both the House and the Senate.
Roads and bridges are the part of our transportation system that many of us deal with the most. But the bond also is about facilities and equipment for aviation and working waterfronts — ports, harbors, marine transportation. And don’t forget about freight, public transportation and trails for cyclists and pedestrians.
If voters approve Question 3 at the polls on Tuesday, the $85 million bonds would leverage an estimated $121.5 million in federal and other funds — for an estimated total of more than $206 million that would be pumped into Maine’s economy. Ask yourself if this is an opportunity we can afford to pass up.
The connection between the economy and transportation is why I asked for — and was pleased to get — a seat on the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. Our bipartisan committee hears a lot from Maine people and businesses about their transportation needs and concerns.
Transportation is key to the competitiveness of Maine businesses and the state’s overall economy. We can’t forget that we’re in a global economy, one where we’re not just thinking about competitors down the street, the next town over or in a neighboring state. Really, our competition can come from anywhere, and our transportation system needs to move people and goods efficiently.
But Maine fares poorly on assessments of its transportation infrastructure. Our roads got an unenviable “D” grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers, in part because 83 percent of them are in fair to unacceptable condition. While the nation as a whole is heading in the right direction, the percentage of Maine’s structurally deficient bridges is increasing.
Let’s not forget that we live in a large state. Our rural roads and bridges are among the worst in the country. Twenty-six percent of our rural pavement is in poor condition, and 15 percent of our rural bridges are structurally deficient, according to TRIP, a national nonprofit transportation policy organization.
A large part of our economy relies on sectors that are transport-intensive. Agriculture, forestry and fishing all require moving heavy goods over significant distances. So do construction, manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade.
And, of course, there is tourism. We want our visitors to travel safely and easily all over Maine — the towns and cities, the mountains, the lakes, the coast or whatever attraction they choose. What could spoil a Maine vacation faster than a pothole-induced flat tire, broken tie rod or wrecked muffler?
Poor road conditions are more than a nuisance for motorists. They cause us in Maine to pay on average almost $300 in extra operating costs annually. I can think of plenty of other things I’d like to spend that money on, and I bet you can, too.
I regularly hear from constituents concerned about the condition of Interstate 395 and its effect on their commutes to work, school, doctor’s appointments and more. The state Department of Transportation had identified both eastbound and westbound lanes as a priority for 2016-17 in its three-year work plan. We don’t know for certain which projects would be funded if voters approve the bond proposal, but I think it’s safe to say that a lot fewer projects will get the attention they need if it doesn’t.
So when you’re on I-395, think about how you’d like to see it improved — and then think of all the other roads in Maine and all the other parts of the transportation system and what they mean for the families, businesses and economy of the state.
Rep. Arthur “Archie” Verow, D-Brewer, is serving his second term in the Maine House. He is a member of the Transportation Committee and represents the majority of the city of Brewer.