AUGUSTA — The Maine House of Representatives has approved part of the $149.5 million bond package proposal making its way through the Legislature.

The House passed four of the five bills that make up the state borrowing package for roads, bridges and education facilities. The Maine Senate also has approved LD 782. The four approved bonds total $49.5 million:

• LD 782: $15.5 million bond for the renovation and upgrade of labs and other STEM facilities at all seven campuses of the University of Maine system. Approved 102-26.
• LD 245: $14 million bond for maintenance, capital projects, modernization and energy efficiency measures at Maine Army National Guard armories throughout the state. Approved 122-7.
• LD 221: $4.5 million bond to contribute to a public-private partnership for a new science facility at Maine Maritime Academy. Approved 121-8.
• LD 636: $15.5 million bond for the construction, renovation and upgrade of labors, classrooms and offices at the seven campuses of the Maine Community College System. Approved 120-8

They have yet to approve Gov. Paul LePage’s $100 million transportation infrastructure bond for roads, bridges, ports and rail projects.

All five bills are expected to receive the two-thirds majority in both chambers necessary for approval. Once all five bills are approved, they’ll be placed on the November ballot where it will be up to voters to decide how much the state should borrow.

Officials for Maine’s universities and community colleges urged lawmakers to approve the $35.5 million in bonds for higher education earlier this week, saying they need the money to expand and upgrade buildings and classrooms to meet growing demand.

Information from the Bangor Daily News was used in this report.

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