LEAD volunteers work, in partnership with the Maine State Chamber, to ensure the success of legislation that enables businesses to operate more efficiently in the County.  We are also diligent in opposing legislation that will weaken Maine's ability to compete in a global and regional marketplace. This past session, LEAD hosted Aroostook Day at the Legislature, tracked over 20 bills that had the potential to impact business in the County and maintained communications with our delegation members with weekly conference calls. 

Do you have an issue with particular laws, rules or politics that you can't solve on your own?
LEAD might be able to help. We want to hear from you!  Our public policy work is made possible by our committee volunteers who track legislation on your behalf.

This fall, among other activities, LEAD will be tracking referendum questions headed for the November ballot.  One is a government spending cap proposal (TABOR II), the other a plan to cut local vehicle excise taxes. 

Senate bill raises truck weight limit in Maine (December 13, 2009)
PORTLAND, Maine — A federal bill that would allow trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds to travel Interstate 95 north of Augusta is one step closer to becoming law.
Sen. Susan Collins says the Senate on Sunday approved the 2010 transportation appropriations bill, with a provision that creates a one-year pilot project to exempt Maine's federal highways from the 80,000-pound federal truck weight limit.
Trucks over 80,000 pounds now have to exit I-95 at Augusta and travel on secondary roads through towns and cities, raising concerns about safety and wear and tear on state roads. The bill also includes a provision that would allow heavier trucks on federal highways in Vermont for a one-year period.
The bill will now be sent to the president for his signature.

Support letter to the Maine Department of Transportation (August 28, 2009)
>>Click Here to read LEAD's support letter for the Transportation Investment Generating Economy Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant application entitled “Madawaska Subdivision Project,” which impacts communities from Millinocket to Madawaska in Aroostook and Penobscot counties.

County business leaders rally for rail service
Aroostook County business leaders partnered with municipal and other county officials to lodge support for keeping rail service in The County. >>Read More

LEAD/APP Annual Meeting
Pellet plant founder named county’s top entrepreneur

Aroostook County’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. This message came through loud and clear during the June 12 annual meeting of northern Maine’s two economic development organizations — Aroostook Partnership for Progress and Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development.

The highlight of the breakfast meeting, attended by more than 100 at the Northern Maine Community College Edmunds Conference Center, was the announcement of Aroostook County’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Matthew Bell of Presque Isle, founder and co-owner of Northeast Pellets, LLC of Ashland, was selected for the honor from a pool of 14 nominees.
»Read More

This year's Aroostook Day at the Legislature was held on February 11, 2009. Many members of the local community attended the event in Augusta.
»Read More

Article in Boston Globe
Road project revives hope to link Maine’s north, south.
»Read Full Article

Aroostook delegation pushes for
I-95 extension.
»Read More

Campaign to increase weight limits on I-95 moves forward.
»Read More

Governor John E. Baldacci has instructed the MaineDOT to advance an Aroostook County transportation project so that construction can begin in 2010.
He's also announced the listing of transportation investments in Aroostook for 2009.
»Read More