Clean Water for Maine – Vote Yes on 6

Yes On 6 – Clean Water & Clean Water Jobs for Maine:
Something all Mainers can agree on.

      
There are an awful lot of issues dividing Mainers as we head towards the November 4th election.  However, a “Yes on 6” supports clean water and clean water jobs for Maine and has earned the strong backing from Republicans, Democrats, Independents, business leaders, contractors, sportsmen and women, municipal leaders, economic development professionals and environmentalists from every region of the state.  A “Yes on 6” is good for Maine’s economy, good for Maine’s bottom line and good for Maine’s environment.  

A “YES ON 6” SUPPORTS CLEAN WATER AND CLEAN WATER JOBS IN THREE WAYS

Passed with support from Republicans, Democrats and Independents by a margin of 126-19 in the State House and 30-2 in the State Senate, a “Yes on 6” supports clean water and clean water jobs by allowing a $10 million investment in badly needed infrastructure improvements in communities across Maine. Funds will be split between investments in:

•    Built Infrastructure, $5.4 million to upgrade stream crossings to reconnect habitat for fish and other wildlife
•    Natural Infrastructure, $400k to restore wetlands to provide increased flood mitigation, water quality and wildlife habitat benefits
•    Maine’s Revolving Loan Fund, $4.2 million to secure $21 million in federal funding to upgrade the state’s drinking water systems and wastewater treatment facilities

A “YES ON 6” VOTE IS GOOD FOR MAINE’S ECONOMY

“Yes on 6” enjoys the backing of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Maine, GrowSmart Maine and the Northern Maine Development Commission.  According to an analysis by AGC, if the measure passes on November 4th, Maine’s economy will:

•    Create or sustain 1,000 jobs
•    Add $119 million to Maine’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
•    Add $38.5 million to personal earnings

A “YES ON 6” VOTE IS GOOD FOR MAINE’S BOTTOM LINE

“Yes on 6” enjoys the backing of Republicans, Democrats and Independents who have studied Maine’s existing water infrastructure as well as Maine municipal leaders, civil engineers and urban and rural water officials.  

•    A “Yes on 6” will bring $21 million in federal matching funds.  A “no” vote on Question 6 would mark the first time in history Maine failed to collect its share of these funds.
•    Much of Maine’s water infrastructure is World War II era or even 100 years old.  There is no question that it will have to be upgraded and improved in the years ahead.
•    A recent study by the Portland Water District found investments like the ones in Question 6 can save taxpayers money.  Waiting to address water infrastructure needs can cost 2 ½ times more later.

A “YES ON 6” VOTE IS GOOD FOR MAINE’S ENVIRONMENT

“Yes on 6” would create tremendous benefits for Maine’s environment and its fish, game and wildlife.  It enjoys the backing of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Audubon, the Environmental Priorities Coalition and numerous other conservation and land trust organizations.  

•    Helps protect clean drinking water
•    Upgrades storm water systems to prevent sewage overflow into rivers, streams and coastal waterways
•    Restores natural habitat so Maine’s fish, game and wildlife can thrive
•    Protects Maine’s quality of place – and its recreation and tourism economy – for future generations

Question 6 Ballot Language – Don’t Forget To Vote On Question 6

“Do you favor a ten million dollar bond issue to ensure clean water and safe communities across Maine; to protect drinking water sources; to restore wetlands; to create jobs and vital public infrastructure; and to strengthen the State's long-term economic base and competitive advantage?"

An Uncommonly Broad Coalition of Mainers Support A “Yes on 6” Vote