Supreme Court denies Penobscot appeals over river regulation
Sen Collins making 1st public appearance after COVID-19
BATH, Maine (AP) — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins is making her first public appearance since contracting COVID-19. The Maine Republican is visiting Navy shipbuilder Bath Iron Works with the the Navy’s top officer on Monday. She and Adm. Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, are touring the future USS Carl Levin and visiting crew members. The visit comes little more than a week after shipyard President Dirk Lesko abruptly resigned. No reason was given for his departure.
Portland airport’s main runway shut down for $13.7M project
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The main runway at Portland International Jetport has closed for a $13.7 million project that involves repaving and installation of new LED lighting. The 56-day closure required flight operations to shift to a secondary runway on Monday. Officials said the airport’s instrument landing system will be offline, which could lead to flight delays or cancellations in times of low visibility. Later, between May 16 to June 13, the hours of flight operations will be reduced, with no flights after 10:30 p.m. and 5:45 a.m. Workers have begun the process of removing electrical components and runway asphalt.
MAINE TOURISM
Arrival of cruise ships could boost tourism figures
BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — The arrival of the first large cruise ship in two-and-a-half years in another signal that Maine’s tourism is getting closer to pre-pandemic normalcy. State officials said more than 15.6 million visitors came to Maine in 2021, which represented growth over the year before. But there were no large cruise ships until the arrival of the Norwegian Pearl in the waters off Bar Harbor. Cruise ships made 409 port calls and brought 450,000 passengers in 2019.
EARLY EXPULSION
Maine, home of high preschool expulsion, looks to fix that
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature is looking to cut down on suspensions and expulsions of students during early childhood. Maine has the second-highest rate of preschool student expulsion in the country. The Legislature is considering a bill that would expand a pilot program that’s already in use in half the state’s counties. The program makes mental health and child development consultants available to teachers, child care providers and parents. A bill before the Legislature would take it statewide. Both houses of the Legislature have approved the proposal and it faces further votes before enactment.
MAINE LEGISLATURE-TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY
Proposal to restore sovereignty to tribes in Maine advances
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Maine Senate has advanced a historic proposal to restore tribes’ sovereignty. The Senate’s action Friday came a day after the House approved the bill to ensure Native Americans in Maine have the same rights as other federally recognized tribes across the country. Also Friday, a tribal attorney was rewriting language of a separate bill to ensure the governor’s support for letting the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point regulate its own drinking water. The Maine House also advanced a proposal that would funnel mobile sports betting revenue to tribes.
MAINE LEGISLATURE-BUDGET
Panel signs off on budget that includes $850 payments
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature’s appropriations committee has unanimously approved a supplemental budget that includes the governor’s proposal to send checks for $850 to more than 850,000 residents. The budget also creates a fund to address PFAS contamination, invests in education and delivers property tax relief. The committees co-chairs praised the the panel’s Republicans and Democrats for working to establish consensus on spending with a projected surplus that tops $1 billion. The budget was approved early Friday and will go before the full Legislature in coming days. Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn on Wednesday.
MAINE LEGISLATURE-AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Bill to address housing crisis advances in Maine Legislature
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Senate has advanced a proposal to boost affordable housing through zoning reform amid a housing shortage. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau’s bill would allow property owners to build accessory dwelling units in residential areas and allow up to two units on a lot zoned for single-family housing. Proponents say the bill is a step toward addressing a housing crisis. The House approved the bill, 78-51, on Thursday and the Maine Senate followed up with a 20-13 vote on Friday. More votes are necessary.
ACADIA TRAILS
Acadia trails added to National Register of Historic Places
BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — The trail network at Maine’s Acadia National Park is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service said Thursday the listing recognizes 109 trails that cover 117 miles. The trail network becomes the largest system of trails listed on the register. The park service said the trail system was recognized because of its historic significance and ties to the history of Mount Desert Island, where the park is located.