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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Visionaries:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The GARVEE bill, which would
afford the opportunity to use bonds to fund highway construction, was presented
early in this legislative session.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>There has been plenty of time for folks to think about it.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The concept has been on my mind rather
constantly. There has always been a good chance it would be considered in the
House Transportation Committee, of which I am a member.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(Payment of these bonds would be based
upon future federal highway funds.)</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I have certain concerns about the
legislation.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>First, the bill reads
that only thirteen specific projects may be addressed with these funds.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am not thrilled with all of the
projects in the list, and I think the Transportation Board should have the
latitude to make substitutions if appropriate.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Second, some individuals would like to
see a cap placed upon the amount that may be borrowed.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I like the concept of having this
tool to fund projects, because it may accelerate our ability to address the
issue of unsafe roads.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There is
also the potential of saving money by beginning projects sooner.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have received messages from University
students and President White requesting my support.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Wednesday, the bill was presented
to the Transportation Committee.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>During the course of a very long meeting, we heard lots of
testimony.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Since the Lewiston
Morning Tribune has erroneously reported I voted against the bill, I would like
to explain the course of events.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">During committee discussion, it
became clear there wasn’t support for the bill among the majority of the
members.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There were three
motions:<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>(1) send the bill to the House floor with a “do pass” recommendation:
(2)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>hold the bill in committee
subject to the call of the chair – this would mean we would meet again for
further consideration;<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(3)<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>send the bill to the amending order for
consideration of changes and action by the House.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The bills are voted upon in
reverse order – 3, 2, 1.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I felt
sure the bill would be killed if we voted upon the first motion.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Thus, I voted in favor of motion 3, and
that failed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then the only way to
keep the concept alive was to vote for motion 2.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>That passed.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was not a decision to kill the
legislation.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I think improvements are
possible, but I support the concept.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I hope this clarifies my actions, but let me know if you have
questions.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Shirley</P></DIV></BODY></HTML>