A bill calling for some state income tax revenue to help fund civilian redevelopment efforts at Brunswick Naval Air Station gained the support of a legislative panel Tuesday.

The Business Research and Economic Development committee gave LD 1664, sponsored by Sen. Stan Gerzofsky, D-Brunswick, a unanimous "ought to pass" endorsement, according to The Times Record. If passed, the bill would allow the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority to sell bonds to raise money for redevelopment projects and establish a fund for reuse of the base's air field, according to the newspaper.

The measure would also set aside 25% of the state income taxes paid by firms that would locate on the 3,200-acre property for MRRA facility management costs. Another 25% would help fund the Midcoast Campus of Southern Maine Community College, a collaboration between SMCC and the University of Maine that will allow students to earn engineering degrees while receiving training in composites development. The remaining 50% would go to the state. The legislation also creates a funding mechanism to generate an estimated $4 million for the campus, according to The Forecaster.

The measure, which still needs full Legislature approval, is expected to go to the Senate for a vote next week.

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