To: Committee On Transportation
From: Nathan Davis, Ph.D., Sierra Club Maine
Date: March 31, 2023
Re: Testimony in Support of L.D. 1141, with Amendment
Senator Chipman, Representative Williams, and members of the Committee On Transportation, my name is Nathan Davis, and I am testifying on behalf of Sierra Club Maine, representing over 22,000 supporters and members statewide. Founded in 1892, Sierra Club is one of our nation’s oldest and largest environmental organizations. We work diligently to amplify the power of our 3.8 million members nation-wide as we work towards combating climate change and promoting a just and sustainable economy. To that end, we urge you to consider an amendment to the funding mechanism of L.D. 1141 and then vote “ought to pass as amended”.
We generally support this bill, and we are enthusiastic about promoting active transportation in Maine, which yields broad benefits for climate, public health, and equity. Maine’s Active Transportation Plan specifically recognizes the need for shoulder improvements, especially along rural highways. Indeed, anyone who bikes or walks along Maine’s rural highways and roads (including myself) knows what a challenge it can be, especially for inexperienced, young, or unconfident cyclists. Maine’s state parks are a treasure, and we warmly support making them more accessible to people traveling by bike or foot.
We do have some concerns about the funding mechanism of this bill as written. We understand that the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has worked with Sen. Moore to draft an amendment directing MaineDOT to fund this work as part of its implementation of the State Active Transportation Plan, which we believe would be more appropriate than funding it via the Tourism Marketing Promotion Fund or the Parks - General Operations program.
We encourage you to support this amendment and vote “ought to pass as amended” on L.D. 1141. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Nathan Davis, Ph.D.
Sierra Club Maine
Legislative Team member