VIRUS OUTBREAK-MAINE
Maine’s largest city to keep outdoor dining into fall
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The City Council in Maine’s largest city has decided to continue a pandemic rule to allow outdoor dining and retail in place until at least the fall. Portland is looking to end a local emergency declaration about the pandemic on July 29. That would also end additional powers given to the city manager that can restrict public gatherings. The Portland Press Herald reports street closures that allow businesses to expand outdoor dining and retail options will continue until November. The council voted on Monday that a designation allowing restaurants to operate on public ways without additional fees will continue until Nov. 1.
COVERED BRIDGE FIRE
Historic covered bridge destroyed by fire in Maine
LITTLETON, Maine (AP) — Officials say one of just nine covered bridges in Maine — and the only one in Aroostook County — has been destroyed by fire. The Littleton Fire Department doused the fire on the Watson Settlement Bridge but little was left other than the frame on Monday. Shannon Moss, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said the bridge is considered a total loss. A team of investigators from the state fire marshal’s office is on the scene.
MEDICAL LEAVE
Maine eyes commission to study paid family leave in state
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine is close to creating a commission to study a way to implement paid family leave in the state. The Maine Senate voted to enact the proposal on Monday. Proposal sponsor Sen. Mattie Daughtry, a Democrat, said the coronavirus pandemic “has shown us just how important it is for workers to be able to take time off to take care of their families, without fear of losing pay or their jobs.” The proposal has moved on to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills for a potential signature.
INTELLIGENCE WORKFORCE
Maine senators join push to help intelligence workers
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s U.S. senators have joined a push to help intelligence professionals increase their mobility. Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King want to allow the intelligence workers to deduct some moving expenses from federal taxes. That privilege is currently extended to active-duty military members. The senators say the intelligence workers are vital to national security and sometimes must relocate due to a change in assignment. They have joined a bipartisan group of senators that is supporting the Intelligence Community Workforce Agility Protection Act of 2021.
MINING PROJECT-INDIGENOUS RIGHTS
Mining CEO defends comments that Maine tribes lack rights
PATTEN, Maine (AP) — The head of a Canadian mining company has defended comments in which he touted the state of Maine as a good place to do business because of a lack of rights for tribal groups. Wolfden Resources wants to develop a precious minerals mine in rural Maine. The chief executive officer of the company, Ron Little, has faced criticism recently because of comments he made during a 2019 presentation to investors in which he said there are “no indigenous rights in the state of Maine” and that “streamlines the permitting process.” The Bangor Daily News reports the Natural Resources Council of Maine shared the videos with Maine tribes, who disagreed.
TURNPIKE TOLLS
MTA wants to raise rates to offset pandemic revenue slide
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Fewer vehicles on the road during the pandemic may translate to higher tolls for those using the Maine Turnpike. The Maine Turnpike Authority is proposing rate increases to help offset $60 million that it says it lost during the pandemic. The proposed increase and other adjustments could bring in about $17 million with about 70% of the cost being borne by out-of-state motorists.
Gas prices stay about the same in northern New England
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Gas prices in northern New England have held about the same over the last week. Prices are up in the region and all over the country compared to last year, but stayed the same in Maine and New Hampshire last week. GasBuddy’s daily survey said Monday that the average price in Maine was $3.10 per gallon. The price in New Hampshire was $2.98 per gallon. Prices nosed up slightly in Vermont, where they went up 2.1 cents per gallon to $3.04 per gallon.