Daughtry’s Infrastructure Bill Advances with Strong Bipartisan Support, Heads to Full Legislature

“Culverts may not be flashy, but they are essential. They protect our roads, our communities, and our environment.”

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, the Maine Legislature’s Transportation Committee advanced LD 1340, “An Act to Establish the Municipal Stream Crossing Fund,” to the full Legislature for consideration. This bill would establish the Municipal Stream Crossing Fund within the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) to provide grants for culvert upgrades or replacements on municipal roads to eligible sponsors, including local government, municipal conservation commissions, soil and water conservation districts, and private nonprofit organizations. Culvert projects have led to reduced flooding, improved road safety, restored fish passage, and economic benefits through job creation in engineering, design, and construction. The bill passed successfully with a unanimous vote. 

Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick), expressed gratitude for the committee's bipartisan support. “This vote reflects the broad recognition of the importance of upgrading our municipal culverts,” said President Daughtry. “These structures are vital for protecting our roads, communities, and natural resources. I look forward to bringing this proposal before the full Legislature and continuing our work to strengthen Maine’s infrastructure.”​

“The need for culvert upgrades is clear,” said Sen. Brad Farrin (R-Somerset), a co-sponsor of the bill. “This investment is not just about infrastructure; it's about ensuring the safety and resilience of our communities.”​

“Our towns have been able to improve transportation infrastructure through culvert improvements,” said Sen. Tim Nangle (D-Cumberland), a co-sponsor of the bill. “Not only that, they improve fish and amphibians' ability to move along the streams safely. This is a common-sense policy that will help our towns, improve our infrastructure, and benefit the environment.”​

“In our coastal communities, we are seeing the impacts of sea level rise during big storms, and culverts are one of the keys to resilience,” said Sen. Denise Tepler (D-Sagadahoc), a co-sponsor of the bill. “This fund will help municipalities with plans for the future.”​

The bill is expected to be considered by the full Legislature in the coming weeks. 

For more information on stream crossing infrastructure in Maine, visit https://maps.tnc.org/maine