SKOWHEGAN, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- Downtown Skowhegan had big plans to improve infrastructures, attract people and add jobs. But those plans will have to be put on hold.
Governor Paul LePage announced he would not release the pre-approved bonds that were granted to Skowhegan and one representative is not happy.
State Representative Jeff McCabe (D) of Skowhegan said, "I understand him wanting to wait, but for a community like Skowhegan we need a clear picture of how long he's going to hold them and if he's really going to sign them."
McCabe added, "It would put local people to work. When you have a project like this and you are hiring contractors that money stays in the community."
Skowhegan was awarded a grant for three and a half million dollars under the state's For the Communities for Maine's Future Bond.
The town has already invested forty-thousand dollars into part of the renovation, a new parking lot. This large sum would have been reimbursed by the bonds.
According to McCabe, if the bonds are not released the town will have to shift the budget to bear the cost.
Governor LePage responded to McCabe in a handwritten letter stating, "I am not refusing to authorize the sale of bonds, I fully intend to do so when it is fiscally prudent."
Later in the letter, LePage argues he is doing his duty of fixing the state's finances and the sale of bonds would only hind the progress.
McCabe is not satisfied with the answer. He said, "The governor needs to tell us whether or not he's going to issue these bonds. Showhegan can't be in a holding pattern and we can't wait."
If the issue is not resolved soon the revitalization project will have to be put off until next year.
NEWS CENTER