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But the development and education bond packages remain closely contested.

By FRANCIS X. QUINN, The Associated Press November 7, 2007

AUGUSTA — Maine voters approved a conservation borrowing package Tuesday but the fate of two other bonds remained uncertain.

Unofficial returns from 87 percent of state precincts showed majorities for passage, but the margin of support was narrow and the outcome too close to call.

Tuesday's balloting on bonds was divided into three parts, with voters given an opportunity to approve or reject $55 million for research and economic development, $43.5 million for upgrades at educational institutions and $35.5 million for natural resource initiatives.

As widely expected, Question 4 won strong support with 63 percent approval. The bond includes $17 million for the Land for Maine's Future program -- a fund that helps land trusts around the state buy or preserve open spaces -- $7.5 million for state parks and historic sites, $5 million for river-based community and economic development projects and $3 million for working waterfront preservation.

Question 4 additionally called for $1.5 million to be channeled to an agricultural water source development grant program and for $1.5 million to be placed in an existing Municipal Investment Trust Fund.

Question 2 -- designed to provide $50 million through a competitive Maine Technology Institute fund for biotechnology, aquaculture, and marine, composite materials, environmental and other forms of technology, and $5 million in low-interest loans for business and agricultural development -- was backed by 51 percent to 49 percent with 544 of 624 precincts reporting, according to unofficial returns.

The same majority of 51 percent favored Question 3 -- the $43.5 million education bond issue.

It earmarked $23 million for building renovations and improvements of the University of Maine System campuses, $15.5 million at Maine Community College System campuses and $1.5 million at Maine Maritime Academy. The remaining funds would go to grants and loans to revitalize downtown areas, historic and cultural sites and libraries.

In an off-year election with even a tribal racino proposal generating relatively little interest, the bond proposals did not spark much debate.

The $134 million amount proposed Tuesday carried an estimated interest cost of $40.5 million, according to state Treasurer David Lemoine.

In June, voters approved a pair of bond issues totaling $131 million to support transportation and make the state's water cleaner.

A nearly $113 million bond issue for improvements to highways and bridges, airports, public transit facilities, ferry and port facilities and bicycle and pedestrian trails passed by 83,477 to 33,486. And an $18.3 million bond issue to support drinking water programs and the construction of wastewater treatment facilities was approved by 74,893 to 41,483.