Colleges back Question 2

Colleges back Question 2

To the editor:
    We would appreciate your “Yes” vote on Question 2 on the June 8 ballot. Question 2 supports a $26.5 million dollars bond for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects connected to Maine’s public institutions of higher education. That includes Northern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and the University of Maine at Fort Kent. 

    More specifically, $11 million of the Bond proceeds go to supporting the partnership between over 20 Maine businesses and the University of Maine for off-shore wind power projects. This research and development project offers exciting prospects for building a major renewable energy industry for Maine. That growth would benefit the renewable energy programs at UMPI and UMFK and the wind power technology program at NMCC. It also could make Maine a major energy producer with the jobs, business profits, and tax revenues that come with it.
    $14.5 million of the Bond proceeds support energy efficiency projects on the University of Maine System and Maine Community College System campuses. These projects — often with rapid paybacks in energy costs — improve campus operations and provide immediate jobs for Maine businesses and workers. All three County schools will benefit. UMFK and UMPI will each receive $475,000.
    NMCC will receive $685,000 to replace windows in Andrews Hall and improve the ventilation system in the welding and metal fabrication labs. The bond will also support improvements in the wind power technology lab to handle growing demand for the program.
    UMPI will use the majority of its dollars to replace a failing 43-year-old oil -burning boiler that heats one of the major classroom buildings. It may be possible to use renewable energy technologies for the replacement.
    UMFK will strengthen and re-roof the Sports Center for energy efficiency and improved building structure. A second UMFK project will sub-meter energy use in six campus buildings to allow more economical use of electricity.
    While these are tough economic times, we believe the voters of Maine should invest in Bond projects that bring immediate jobs to the County, provide prompt returns on investment or provide attractive investments in future economic development. Question 2 achieves these goals. We urge a “Yes” vote on Question 2 on June 8.