December 3, 2007
Baldacci declares civil emergency
Within four hours of meeting with distressed, Governor John Baldacci announced Maine had a civil emergency.
Baldacci made the declaration after meeting on Friday with members of the Coalition to Lower Fuel Prices in Maine, which asked Baldacci to declare a civil emergency in response to record-breaking diesel fuel prices and the consequent "devastating impact" on the state's forest products industry. The declaration will help mobilize assistance from the federal government, according to a press release from Baldacci's office.
Baldacci also said off-road diesel users may apply for a refund on state fuel taxes and that he will try to ease federal restrictions on heavy trucks for four months on I-95 and I-395 north of Augusta. Baldacci expects to submit emergency legislation in January to speed up 2007 property tax reimbursements on forest industry equipment covered under the BETR program and to rescind any sales tax paid on parts or supplies needed to maintain forestry trucks and equipment.
Baldacci made the declaration after meeting on Friday with members of the Coalition to Lower Fuel Prices in Maine, which asked Baldacci to declare a civil emergency in response to record-breaking diesel fuel prices and the consequent "devastating impact" on the state's forest products industry. The declaration will help mobilize assistance from the federal government, according to a press release from Baldacci's office.
Baldacci also said off-road diesel users may apply for a refund on state fuel taxes and that he will try to ease federal restrictions on heavy trucks for four months on I-95 and I-395 north of Augusta. Baldacci expects to submit emergency legislation in January to speed up 2007 property tax reimbursements on forest industry equipment covered under the BETR program and to rescind any sales tax paid on parts or supplies needed to maintain forestry trucks and equipment.
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