4. 28. 2020
Maine fuel tax receipts down due to COVID-19
Congress must amend rules regarding the $150 billion in coronavirus relief provided, enabling states to use a portion of those funds to replace fuel tax revenues lost due to COVID-19
We all have seen the effect that the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent restrictions placed on public life have had on travel in Maine. Our roads and highways are emptier, and estimates show that traffic is down by more than 50 percent statewide. That, of course, has impacted fuel tax receipts, and MaineDOT expects that the state will fall short on fuel tax by $124 million over the next 18 months.
Unfortunately, the Treasury Department has told states that, as the CARES Act currently is written, they cannot use funds from the $150 billion in funding allocated under the act to replace revenues lost due to the outbreak.
Please, contact your Congressional leaders ASAP
Ask them to include language in future phases of the Congressional COVID-19 response that will allow states and municipalities to access funds Congress already has appropriated – $150 billion in the CARES Act – to help cover revenue losses from the COVID-19 pandemic.
If MaineDOT does not get access to funds to cover that $124 million gap, the department will have to cut projects from its 2020 work plan, and that will have a devastating impact on 13,800 public and private sector jobs over the next 18 months.
Our state, and our country, face difficult times ahead as we work to restart our economy. We know from experience that investment in public infrastructure is a powerful tool for economic recovery. Every dollar we spend to maintain our roads, bridges, airports, ports, rail and other transportation infrastructure supports well-paying jobs for Maine citizens and their families. Furthermore, these are lasting investments that help keep our cities and towns open by supporting Maine businesses as they move goods and services across our economy.
Maine's Congressional Delegation
U.S. Senator Susan Collins
Augusta: 207-622-8414 / fax 207-622-5884
Bangor: 207-945-0417 / fax 207-990-4604
Biddeford: 207-283-1101 / fax 207-283-4054
Caribou: 207-493-7873 / fax 207-493-7810
Lewiston: 207-784-6969 / fax 207-782-6475
Portland: 207-780-3575 / fax 207-828-0380
Washington, DC: 202-224-2523 / fax 202-224-2693
U.S. Senator Angus King
Toll-free: 800-432-1599
Augusta: 207-622-8292 / fax 207-621-0286
Bangor: 207-945-8000 / fax 207-945-5010
Biddeford: 207-352-5216 / fax 207-282-1009
Presque Isle: 207-764-5124 / fax 207-764-6420
Washington, DC: 202-224-5344 / fax 202-224-1946
U.S. Representative Jared Golden
Caribou 207-492-6009 / fax 207-493-4436
Lewiston 207-241-6767
Washington DC Phone 202-225-6306 / fax 202-225-2943
U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree
Portland: 207-774-5019 or 888-862-6500 / fax 207-871-0720
Waterville: 207-873-5713/ fax 207-873-5717
Washington, DC: 202-225-6116 / fax 202-225-5590
Governor Mills extends stay-at-home order, with modifications
Governor Mills today released her four-phase plan to reopen the economy, and asked residents to remain at home, with some loosening of rules, through May. On May 1, some businesses can open in a limited fashion, including businesses offering personal services, such as barber shops; drive-in religious services; outdoor recreation including many state parks; and auto dealerships.
SBA resumes PPP applications
Yesterday, April 27, the Small Business Administration resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders after funding had been depleted from the program.
With the additional funding provided by the new COVID-19 relief package, SBA will resume processing EIDL Loan and Advance applications that are already in the queue on a first come, first-served basis.
SBA and the Treasury Department have updated their
Frequently Asked Questions
to provide additional guidance on a borrower’s need for a PPP loan.
To learn more about the relief options available for your business,
click here
.
Thank you and stay well!
Maria
(207-622-0526) or (207-592-0227).
