[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 90 (Monday, June 8, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S3857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING SOUTHERN MAINE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

 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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