Congratulating Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission

Floor Speech

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Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I bring to the fore an organization that serves as a model for coordinated economic development and environmental responsibility. Later this month, the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission, or SMPDC, will celebrate its 50th anniversary. This milestone is a testament not only to its longevity and breadth, but also to its ability to continually develop pertinent projects for southern Maine's economy. They are truly an inspiration for similar initiatives across the country and around the globe.

SMPDC is a Council of Governments enabled by State statute that serves the southern part of our great State in 39 communities. As this region forms the southern tip of Maine, it injects economic vitality to all corners of the State as the ``Gateway to Maine.'' It boasts 300 miles of breathtaking coastline--with rocky points, quiet inlets, and sandy beaches. This coastline alone brings in thousands of tourists each year who wish to share the marvels of our distinct and special home. This region also extends westward toward the White Mountains, an area dotted with numerous lakes, fertile lands, dense forests, and crossed by the mighty Saco River. To help maintain this land for us and for future generations, the folks at SMPDC offer comprehensive planning and ordinance revision to communities to ensure they achieve the appropriate growth while preserving the land and shoreline that so characterizes the Maine way of life.

Being the Gateway to Maine, and given the recent Federal gridlock over properly funding the Highway Trust Fund, I would be remiss not to mention the commission's work to assist municipalities throughout the region in transportation project planning and management. They have rallied local leaders and first responders to address the emergencies on the roads and made the veins of our economy safer through their Traffic Incident Management Group--which in 2007 was given the Excellence in Regional Transportation Award by the National Association of Development. Furthermore, with I-95 and Amtrak pouring resources and revenue into the State, SMPDC has been essential to coordinating community action to ensure we make the most of these assets.

And even while focusing on the largest arteries of transportation in the area, the commission has not turned a blind eye to the scenic roads and healthy travel alternatives that encourage people to get outdoors and reaffirms access and economic prospects for Maine's vibrant eco-tourism industry. Teaming up with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, SMPDC has successfully implemented the York County Active Communities Network. This initiative explores the potential for improvements and funding opportunities for those looking to bike or walk safely and freely throughout their community. The group has also added further economic vitality to Maine through its work with the Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway, which winds its way through the White Mountains in western Maine and along the Saco River. This Corridor Management Plan floods the scenic towns along it with visitors and economic opportunity from downtown Standish to historic Fryeburg.

Perhaps what the commission is most widely recognized for is their success with the Brownfields Redevelopment Project, which is funded in part by the EPA's Brownfield and Land Revitalization Program. Brownfields are abandoned or underused industrial and commercial properties that have some threat of environmental contamination, whether it is real or perceived. Beginning in 2004, the Brownfield Redevelopment Project started funding ventures throughout southern Maine to rebuild old dams, mills, and other previously condemned facilities to help reintroduce many of Maine's beautiful, historic buildings to their communities. South Berwick now boasts a fantastic renovated library and Kennebunk even retooled a gas station to create a community ice rink, while the mills in Sanford and Biddeford are teeming with hundreds of new businesses. At an event earlier in the year, the EPA cited SMPDC as one of the top 10 in the Nation for their wide ranging success with these projects. This work is truly exciting and a perfect demonstration of SMPDC's powerful impact on southern Maine.

As the Southern Maine Planning and Development Council ushers in their 50th anniversary on June 24, we should take time to reflect on the countless dedicated public servants who have worked with unwavering commitment to better their communities. I am deeply grateful for their countless accomplishments, and look forward to the many more inspiring and productive projects they undertake in the future.

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