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The roads and bridges in Maine connect us to our jobs, our schools and the essential services we all rely on. But a troubling report published by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, determined 19 percent of our major roads are in poor condition and 15 percent of Maine’s bridges are rated as structurally deficient. Clearly, the need for continued funding for our critical infrastructure is needed. According to the report, driving on the deteriorating roads costs Mainers an average of $609 each year, a burden many Maine families have difficulty absorbing in their budgets.
Though Maine has made significant investments in our road conditions, there is still a backlog of projects that have been put on hold due to a historical lack of funding. As vehicle efficiency improves and electric vehicle adoption rises, traditional funding sources will not generate enough revenue to keep up. Lawmakers must ensure that funding keeps pace with evolving transportation needs.
Let’s not let our infrastructure crumble beneath us. Without a strong infrastructure it’s going to be a bumpy road for Maine’s future.
Wayne Berry
Lincoln