2011 Budget Appropriations Requests

Acadia National Park Land Acquisition*

$3,000,000

National Park Service, Acadia National Park
43 Cottage Street, PO Box 45
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

This $3 million appropriation from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund will enable Acadia National Park to purchase a 39-acre property inside park boundaries on the border of Lower Hadlock Pond, a public drinking water supply. This will benefit the local community by permanently protecting water quality and eliminating the need for the water district to raise rates. It will benefit Acadia's 2.4 million visitors by permanently protecting the hiking trails that cross the property and preserving the park's land base for future generations to enjoy.

Advanced Multifunctional Materials for Soldier Support and Protection*

$5,000,000

University of Maine
5703 Alumni Hall
Orono, ME 04468-5703

Current troop deployments require low cost, compact, rapidly deployable ballistic and blast protection to mitigate the threat of insurgents and their weapons. In addition to the previously developed University of Maine Modular Ballistic Protection System (MBPS) sidewall protection, these deployments will require overhead protection to maximize soldiers' survivability, sustainability, and quality of life. This project will develop advanced protection systems that integrate facilitated logistics, improved sustainability and maximized effectiveness, as well as easily integrated alternative energy solutions.

Agricultural Enterprises Initiative*

$750,000

Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
36 Water Street, PO Box 268
Wiscasset, ME 04578

Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) is requesting $750,000 to launch the Agricultural Enterprises Initiative (AEI), to provide business planning and financial assistance to up to 24 job-generating sustainable agriculture- and food-related enterprises. CEI will match these funds with $750,000 in loan capital. Sustainable agriculture needs an adequate farmland base, agriculture production expertise, and business assistance and finance. CEI's financing and business development expertise positions it as an essential part of this, coordinating technical assistance to develop business plans and financing to implement them.

Androscoggin River Bicycle Path Extension*

$376,432

Town of Brunswick
28 Federal Street
Brunswick, ME 04011

The project involves extending the Androscoggin River Bicycle Path (ARBP) beginning at its easterly terminus at Grover Lane and constructing an additional 2.6 miles of new paved pathway 14' wide along the US Route 1 corridor continuing east to Peterson Lane in Brunswick. This proposed extension is part of a larger 7.21 mile proposed project recommended in a 2004 MDOT funded feasibility study to connect the ARBP in Brunswick to the Sagadahoc Bridge in Bath. The project alignment is consistent with the proposed East Coast Greenway planned route through Maine.

Augusta Airport Runway Reconstruction and Safety Area Improvements*

$6,000,000

Maine Department of Transportation
16 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0016

Runway 17-35 Runway Safety Areas (RSA's) currently do not meet FAA standards. This project would bring the RSA's into compliance by installing EMAS (Engineered Material Arresting System) at both ends. The reconstruction of the runway entails rehabilitation of 5000' and narrowing the runway to 100'. Due to Western Avenue on one end of the runway and a drop off on the other end, installation of the EMAS will help ensure the safety of the flying public and the public traveling Western Avenue.

Augusta North Connections - Exit 113*

$1,000,000

City of Augusta
16 Cony Street
Augusta, ME 04330

The City of Augusta is one of the largest service centers in the state. It serves as a transportation crossroads for central Maine and is integral to the regional and state economy. The existing infrastructure is over capacity and will limit future growth in north Augusta. Enhancing Exit 113 will allow for expansion in the area, including health care, employment, higher education, government services, and retail facilities.

Bayside Neighborhood Connector (Somerset Street Extension)*

$750,000

City of Portland
389 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101

The Bayside neighborhood had been a mixture of dilapidated buildings and substandard housing. The City engaged hundreds of citizens to establish a vision for their neighborhood. The result was a master plan for the Bayside neighborhood which provides a blue print for revitalizing this area. The missing element that is hindering Bayside from reaching its potential is sufficient infrastructure. This funding would extend Somerset Street, which stops part-way through Bayside. The extension will provide safe, direct access for the Bayside area, and open up land which isunderutilized to attract private investment to thisarea for housing, new businesses, and jobs.

Bayside Trail Bike/Pedestrian Bridge*

$3,000,000

Maine Department of Transportation
16 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0016

The Bayside Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge is needed to create a safe crossing of Franklin Arterial near where the Bayside Trail intersects the off ramp area of Interstate 295. The project is intended to improve safety for all users of the transportation system, including motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The impact of the project will be of regional and statewide significance, as this area of Portland is the economic and social center of the region. The bridge will create an asset in a downtown setting, helping to create a safer, more vibrant, quality community environment in Portland and region.

Bio-Based Plastics*

$1,250,000

Sustainable Bioplastics Council of Maine
157 Park Street, Suite 33
Bangor, ME 04401

This project aims to boost Maine's green economy through the development of non-toxic and bio-compostable plastic products. After receiving nearly $750,000 from local and private funding over 3 years, they have achieved significant R&D; milestones. They have created sustainable potato production standards and established a market potential and economic benefits to Maine. There is an opportunity to collaborate with several leading companies for commercial ready bioplastics to capitalize on today's demand for greener, more ecologically-friendly products. This effort will directly impact job creation in the state.

Brunswick Multi-Modal*

$420,000

Town of Brunswick
28 Federal Street
Brunswick, ME 04011

Funding will be used for the first phase of the Design and Construction of a Parking Facility for the Brunswick Train Station. The parking facility is currently under construction in downtown Brunswick as part of the Maine Street Station mixed use redevelopment project. In anticipation of the Portland-Brunswick extension of Amtrak's Downeaster Corridor in 2012, the parking facility will serve as a park-and-ride location, as well as needed parking for employees and customers of the complex.

Cellulose Nanocomposites for Army Infrastructure and Troop Protection*

$5,000,000

University of Maine
5703 Alumni Hall
Orono, ME 04468-5703

UMaine has demonstrated lightweight, low-cost ballistic panel systems during the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command blast testing and will further enhance protection by using the unique properties of cellulose nanocomposites. Cellulose is the most abundant renewable resource polymer on earth and while nanomaterials have been the subject of large research investments, cellulose nanofibrils have been less studied. Unlike carbon nanotubes, cellulose nanofibrils are renewable, more affordable and can provide the next generation of lightweight high-performance, bio-based materials for a variety of defense and civil applications.

Community-Based Research to Support the Maine Lobster Industry*

$725,000

Gulf of Maine Research Institute
350 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Maine Lobstering Association, and the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation request funds to purchase equipment and support lobster industry based herring surveys. This community approach will provide critical data necessary for informed management decisions that balance herring conservation and the economic needs of the Maine lobster and herring industries and their positive impact on the Maine economy.

Consolidation of Structural Shops*

$17,400,000

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Portsmouth, NH 03804

This project modernizes the Structural Shop. The project outfits the existing shops with new equipment, streamlines efficiencies and work flow, and provides better working conditions for the men and women of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Center for Civic Education*

$26,635,625

The Center for Civic Education
5145 Douglas Fir Road
Calabasas, CA 91302

The Education for Democracy Act programs are among the most cost effective programs supported by the federal government. They effectively promote a profound understanding of and commitment to the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy as expressed in such seminal documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the Gettysburg Address. They also promote students' capacities to participate competently and responsibly in the political life of their communities and the nation. Civic education/democracy will be critical with globalization of the economy. Students will need to not only understand the American system but international democracies as well.

Council for Economic Education*

$5,018,625

Council for Economic Education
122 East 42 Street, Suite 2600
New York, NY 10168

The Economic Education Exchange Program administered by the Council for Economic Education involves teachers from 47 states and the District of Columbia, and has helped students in more than 40 emerging democracies understand the principles and institutions of a market economy and their relationship to democracy. This is accomplished through intensive professional development programs that bring educators from K-12 schools and institutions of higher education in the US together with educators in these emerging democracies in communities in the United States and eligible countries. Innovative curriculum that has proven highly effective in teaching the principles of market economies has been developed and translated into appropriate languages by teams of writers from the US and participating countries.

Council on Financial Education*

$500,000

Institute for Financial Literacy
449 Forest Avenue, Suite 10
Portland, ME 04101

The Council on Financial Education will provide organizations with a framework to evaluate and improve the quality of their financial literacy efforts. This will provide consumers with a recognizable mark they can use to assess the effectiveness of programs before committing their resources.

Department of Marine Resources Public Health Laboratory Expansion and Red Tide Monitoring*

$2,000,000

Maine Department of Marine Resources
21 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0021

The Maine Department of Marine Resource's eastern Public Health Laboratory was originally designed to conduct water quality testing. Its use has expanded by necessity to include Red Tide testing due to the intensity of Red Tide outbreaks in recent years. Office and storage space have been converted to a small Red Tide testing laboratory and the space is inadequate to meet the needs of eastern Maine. The outbreak of drastically longer and larger Red Tides since 2005 has resulted in the need for increased laboratory space. The Department of Marine Resources has also been the recipient of Red Tide Disaster Funds that have enabled an increased level of sampling to enhance public health and safety coastwide. Funds will be used to expand the laboratory and sampling coastwide.

Determination of entanglement risk to endangered whales in Maine coastal fishing habitats*

$1,000,000

Maine Department of Marine Resources
21 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0021

New federal regulations are being created to reduce entanglements of endangered whales in fishing gear. Serious data gaps exist in Maine coastal fishing habitats regarding the distribution and density of both gear and endangered whales. Funding will be used to gather data and inform the regulatory process so that any regulations that impact Maine's important fishing industries are based on sound knowledge of the risk posed to whales in these unique habitats.

Digital Echocardiography*

$398,000

Goodall Hospital
25 June Street
Sanford, ME 04073

Digital echocardiography is capable of producing excellent images of the heart, and critical in aiding in diagnoses and ultimately, in treatment of heart conditions for residents in the Greater Sanford area. Digital echo is important because it improves the clarity of this important diagnostic tool, thereby providing more accurate diagnoses. This funding would be used to purchase a digital echocardiography.

Eastern Trail Bridge and Trail, Scarborough*

$800,000

Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS)
68 Marginal Way
Portland, ME 04101

The Eastern Trail is a regional multi-use trail for pedestrian and bicyclist commuters as well as general recreationalists. The trail is part of the Maine Department of Transportation's vision for a multi-modal route from Portland to Boston. The trail follows the old Eastern Railroad right-of-way where currently there is no bridge over the Nonesuch River. The construction of the bridge and trail segment north of the bridge provides one of the final direct linkages and direct routes for bicyclist and pedestrian commuters and recreational users to and from Portland.

Enhancing the U.S. National Culture Collection for Marine Phytoplankton*

$600,000

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
180 McKown Point Road
West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575

Funding will provide equipment and operating capability to enhance the new laboratory development in East Boothbay.

Environmental Studies, Monitoring and Public Outreach for the Eastport Tidal Energy Project*

$700,000

Cobscook Bay Resource Center
4 Favor Street
Eastport, ME 04631

A national effort to increase renewable energy development and reduce dependence on fossil fuels requires a long-term public policy commitment. Tidal energy will provide emission free electricity in the first phase of ocean energy development. The funding of this project will support deployment of the first commercial-scale tidal energy project in the U.S. It will also create a comprehensive environmental monitoring program and develop a public information exchange and dissemination capacity with the goal of setting the standard for future ocean energy developments in Maine and the U.S. In the larger picture, this project increases energy independence and security, creates over 250 jobs statewide in five years, spurs investment in Maine of up to $1 billion in the next five to seven years, and creates a model for environmentally sensible ocean energy development.

Excellence in STEM Education through Technology-Enhanced Research and Professional Development*

$650,000

University of Maine
5703 Alumni Hall
Orono, ME 04468-5703

This project will provide a model for improved STEM education through sophisticated teacher professional development and active student participation in research-supported instruction. It will also expand the University's quality offerings in distance education in STEM, including professional development for technical employees in Maine businesses. In addition, this model for improved STEM education will create an expanded technical workforce and generate jobs through potential spin-off companies related to production and use of quality STEM education materials.

Gateway 1 Corridor Project Implementation*

$3,000,000

Maine Department of Transportation
16 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0016

Gateway 1 is a land use/transportation planning project spanning more than 100 miles of Route 1 and 20 towns in Midcoast Maine. Phase 1 of the study produced a Corridor Action Plan and a Transportation Action Package (TAP). In phase 2, the corridor coalition is developing an inter-local agreement. Funding will be used for implementation of the TAP, which identifies transportation and land use actions municipalities can take to meet the forecasted (year 2030) transportation needs in the Gateway 1 Corridor.

Gateway to Science Equipment Upgrade*

$863,374

University of Southern Maine
9600 Falmouth Street
Portland, ME 04103-4846

USM seeks funding for upgraded, modern science equipment for community science education, K-12 outreach, and incorporation of immersive, visually-enhanced STEM learning experiences into higher education at USM.

GO Maine Commuter Vanpool Vehicles*

$680,000

Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS)
68 Marginal Way
Portland, ME 04101

GO Maine commuter vanpools are driven by volunteer commuter drivers, providing benefits that include reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, conserving energy, recruiting and retaining employees, and saving commuters money on their commute. The funding will be used to purchase 20 13-passenger commuter vans.

Grants to Broadcasting Systems Program*

$2,000,000

Maine Public Broadcasting Network
63 Texas Avenue
Bangor, ME 04401

The Grants to Broadcasting Systems Program makes it possible for MPBN to produce local, Maine programming. The purpose of this authorized program through USDA Rural Development is to demonstrate that rural public television stations can be instrumental in delivering services and specialized programs to audiences in rural areas. This program ensures that the eligible public television stations located in rural areas are able to develop, produce, and broadcast programming which specifically addresses the rural concerns and issues of its audience.

Greenhouse Development Project

$2,000,000

Atlantic Organics, Inc.
107 Pork Point Road
Bowdoinham, ME 04008

Atlantic Organics Inc is the largest organic farm in Maine. The company is seeking $2 million dollars to build and equip 10-15 acres of year round greenhouses to grow and supply local organic produce year round. This project would keep 10 to 15 local employees employed year round and would establish Maine as a leader in year round organic production of vegetables. As the leading organic vegetable producer, Atlantic Organics is well positioned to take on this project.

This project is no longer eligible for funding under House rules and was not submitted by Congresswoman Pingree.

Hallowell Community Center Renovation*

$230,000

Hubbard Free Library
115 Second Street
Hallowell, ME 04347

The Hubbard Free Library is one of Maine's architectural treasures and was placed on the National Registry of Historic Sites in 1970. It is one of the landmark buildings in Hallowell. First opened in 1888, it is the oldest public library in Maine still operating in its original building. The roof leaks, the walls are bowing and it has to close when it's too hot or too cold outside. The building is also not handicap accessible. It requires a new slate roof, a new heating system and other structural repairs.

Healthy Bees, Healthy Gardens – A Maine School Garden Education Program

$41,250

Gold Star Honeybees, LLC
150 Whiskeag Road, PO Box 1061
Bath, ME 04530

Expanding upon the successful 2009 LOCAL Garden Program at Bath's RSU #1, the addition of top bar beehives to school gardens and future farmer education programs will demonstrate the connection between healthy bees and sustainable gardening. While no scientific research clearly explains the recent honey bee crisis, raising bees naturally on their own beeswax, as is done in top bar hives, would educate children in sound environmental stewardship. Each participating school would be provided with a top bar beehive, bees, the required hive management, and two classes for one year.

Homeless Outreach and Mobile Emergency (HOME) Team - Citywide Model*

$307,102

Milestone Foundation
65 India Street
Portland, ME 04101-4209

The funding would be used to finance the Homeless Outreach and Mobile Emergency (HOME) Team Program, a collaboration of city and social service agencies designed to address the needs of chronically homeless individuals in Portland.

Human Response to Infectious Disease*

$486,181

Jackson Laboratory
600 Main Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

"Humanized" mice have been successfully engrafted with human tissue and can be studied to determine the mechanisms of infectious disease and how those processes can be interrupted. JAX scientists cannot make full use of these new research tools because space for that purpose lacks the necessary technology. This equipment will allow investigators to use primary human tissues and biological reagents in their research. This request would fund equipment necessary to these studies.

Hybrid Composite-Concrete Bridges*

$2,000,000

University of Maine
5703 Alumni Hall
Orono, ME 04468-5703

Hybrid composite-concrete bridge technology has been demonstrated to be cheaper on up front bid costs than conventional construction. The Maine Department of Transportation is moving to use the technology and materials for more bridges and to promote the technology to neighbor states. This would result in new jobs making associated hybrid composite-concrete components and materials in Maine.Additional funding is needed to develop standard optimized designs, test these designs in a laboratory environment, and obtain national recognition through the AASHTO bridge specifications so they can be specified anywhere in the U.S.

Impact of the Battlefield Environment on Soldiers' and Veterans' Health*

$2,700,000

Jackson Laboratory
600 Main Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Stress during active military duty affects soldiers' performance with lasting consequences for the reintegration of the veteran into his or her community. This project funds research on response to stressors such as chronic, unpredictable stress and pain. The research depends on high performance computer systems to develop and analyze large volumes of data, phenotyping equipment and personnel to identify mice with differing stress responses, and modified space for behavioral testing. Military applications include battlefield suitability, military recruiting and veterans' health.

Improving Access and Safety to Emergency Medical Services in Rural Maine*

$624,000

The LifeFlight Foundation
PO Box 899, 13 Main Street
Camden, ME 04843

Collaborating with Maine Emergency Management Agency and Maine's interoperability coordinator, LifeFlight will improve accessibility and safety of emergency medical services by building 13 automated weather observing stations (AWOS) and 33 helicopter GPS approaches at designated landing zones in rural communities. This equipment will aid in all disasters and benefit any businesses using aircraft/air travel.

Improving Access to Learning for Students with Autism*

$500,000

Spurwink
899 Riverside Street
Portland, ME 04103

Maine has the second highest percentage of residents with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the United States. Spurwink, one of Maine's largest special purpose schools, has seen significant growth in its population of Autism Spectrum Disorders students since 2000. By integrating the research-based SCERTS model into its programs and redesigning its curriculum to address the specific needs of these students, Spurwink will improve their access to learning and their capacity for long-term academic, social and employment success. In year one, 200 students will benefit, and Spurwink will also assist public school districts in adopting the model.

Increasing Student Access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Learning Experiences*

$1,000,000

Gulf of Maine Research Institute
350 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101

Both the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Challenger Learning Center offer important opportunities for students from across the state to engage in exciting learning experiences by introducing them to the worlds of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). With the financial pressures of the last few years, both donors and school districts have been forced to cut back on their support for these programs. The ability to secure additional funding will increase student access, driving awareness of the potential of STEM disciplines to contribute to Maine's economic future.

Integrated Primary Care System*

$1,256,872

Martin's Point Health Care
331 Veranda Street
Portland, ME 04104

Funds will support implementation of a team-based integrated primary care system to better coordinate care and demonstrate improved health outcomes, satisfaction and lower long-term costs. It requires initial investments in hiring and training primary care providers, primary care nurses, and mental health providers, and infrastructure to support the model, including advanced tools for data capture, analysis, and outcomes measurement to assess value of care, as well as modification of facilities. Best practices learned could be a model for other Maine and national health systems.

Katahdin Forest Expansion 3-Gulf Hagas*

$3,325,000

Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands
22 State House Station
18 Elkins Lane
Augusta, ME 04333-0022

The Katahdin Forest Expansion 3-Gulf Hagas Project will conserve 32,000 acres of working forestland abutting and providing access to 11 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and two National Natural Landmarks, Gulf Hagas and The Hermitage. It includes local and interstate snowmobile trails connecting the Moosehead Region to Baxter State Park. Hikes above treeline offer views of over 1.5 million acres of contiguous, conserved forestlands includin