Governor LePage and First Lady to Host 4th Annual Blaine House Food Drive

October 16, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 16, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – The First Family invites the public to visit the Blaine House once again this year in an effort to help fellow Mainers who are less fortunate. Since Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage began the food drive in 2011, they have collected thousands of pounds of food for pantries and shelters across Maine.

This year’s food drives will take place on three consecutive Saturdays: October 18 and 25 and November 1. Mainers will have an opportunity to bring a food donation, get a tour of the Blaine House led by Governor LePage and enjoy light refreshments.

“Our family has been blessed, and this is our opportunity to give back in a very meaningful way,” said Governor LePage. “It is heartwarming to see our neighbors, friends, co-workers, students and various groups like the Boy and Girl Scouts dropping off donations year after year. Mainers are generous people, and in times of need we come together for a greater cause – that’s what the holiday season is all about.”

The Good Shepherd Food-Bank will accept all donations brought to the Blaine House. Good Shepherd Food-Bank will determine the communities that need the food most and distribute the donations.

Doors will be open at the Blaine House between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday.

Governor LePage Announces Investment of Iceland’s Ocean Cluster in Maine

October 16, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 16
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced on Thursday the successful establishment of the New England Ocean Cluster in Portland. The Iceland Ocean Cluster led by Thor Sigfusson, has partnered with North Atlantic Assets and Soli DG, Inc of Maine to establish the New England Ocean Cluster and New England Ocean Cluster House.

“This past June, I led a trade mission to Iceland where our delegation witnessed first-hand the work of the Ocean Cluster House,” said Governor LePage. “This model is an excellent example of how private sector investment in innovation and cluster development can result in economic growth. I am proud of my administration’s partnership with Iceland’s Ocean Cluster and the new product development that will result from the establishment of a New England Ocean Cluster House in Portland.”

This private sector enterprise is focused on commercialization of new products related to the Ocean as a resource. The goal of the cluster is to create, encourage and spinoff new companies and products with cluster members with the goal of utilizing 100% of materials being harvested from the ocean, while focusing on higher and higher margins.

“It is a spinoff factory,” said Thor Sigfusson. “We create an environment where collaboration amongst our members happens naturally and we build upon new relationships with ideas, guidance, support, equity, whatever it takes to get moving.”

Patrick Arnold of Soli DG, Inc., the US based ownership of the New England Ocean Cluster, was very excited to be working with Thor and the Iceland Ocean Cluster. “Maine has always had hard working people with great ideas. This is an opportunity to link up with and learn from some of the best talent overseas while creating new opportunities in Maine and New England,” he said.

Companies engaged in the New England Ocean Cluster will be focused on a diverse array of industry opportunities such as food processing, boat building, energy production, fishing, aquaculture, biotech, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, retail products, health and wellness, marine technology, applied science and many others.

"The New England Ocean Cluster will bring international attention to Portland by stimulating private-sector innovation and creativity on our waterfront," said Mayor Michael Brennan. "I'm excited that Thor Sigfusson of the Iceland Ocean Cluster and Patrick Arnold of Soli DG have selected Portland for this venture. We look forward to our continued efforts in seeing this project to fruition."

The Maine North Atlantic Development Office has been working as part of the State’s efforts to develop new opportunities for Maine throughout the high north. “Having the New England Ocean Cluster House in Maine will position Maine as a leader in Ocean Cluster enterprise and commercialization in the Northeast,” said Dana Eidsness, Director of MENADO. “It will give us a seat at the table with the North Atlantic Ocean Cluster Alliance, where we can innovate and share cluster formation and commercialization best practices with Ocean Clusters in Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Greenland, the Faroe Islandsundefinedand with our neighbors in Canada. We will instantly be plugged into a dynamic international network that drives economic development using local resources. Maine has just the right mix of entrepreneurs and ocean resource partners to make this a success in the U.S.”

Statement on Maine’s Preparedness Regarding Communicable Diseases

October 16, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 16, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has issued a statement regarding the state’s monitoring and response systems for communicable diseases.

“Maine is part of the global community and our beautiful state attracts people from all over the world,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This brings many good things to our shores. However, it also raises the occasional risk of certain challenges, in this case, the possibility of a traveler unintentionally and unknowingly carrying an infectious disease. This risk is always present, so the state maintains and continuously updates its infectious disease response plan. The safety of our citizens is our number one priority.”

Governor LePage continued, “The Maine CDC has elevated its monitoring in light of the recent Ebola developments in Texas and is in constant contact with its federal counterparts. We have taken additional steps to ensure to the best of our ability that any suspected cases in Maine will be reported immediately and effective action taken to the extent the law allows to minimize all risk to the public health and safety.”

The Governor has directed an interagency group meet to ensure efficient and coordinated communication throughout any potential outbreak of infectious disease that threatens public health and safety. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the lead agency of this group, collaborating closely with the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management (DVEM) and other state agencies. The interagency group will ensure close and sustained communication and coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other federal agencies including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and also the appropriate Canadian authorities.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has activated necessary components of its Incident Command System (ICS) in order to centrally manage planning and response activities related to Ebola.  Additionally, Maine CDC is working in conjunction with the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to plan for the identification and rapid activation of additional support resources should a public health emergency arise.

Maine CDC has been and remains in direct communication with various health professionals in the field and answering their questions about symptoms. Its infectious disease epidemiology team is ensuring that the most up-to-date protocols are strictly followed by local and state health officials to manage and contain any suspected or confirmed cases. A mandatory reporting system for infectious disease is already in place with an established protocol.

Maine CDC continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates or changes in protocol or disease status to healthcare workers and first responders in the field. Maine CDC’s infectious disease epidemiology team is available 24 hours a day to take diseases reports and respond to healthcare workers’ questions. Maine CDC also provides health alerts to its partners through the Health Alert Network (HAN).

Taking the travel history of patients will be a key component of the intake protocol for any individual presenting symptoms. Because this is also flu season, many patients present themselves at healthcare providers with flu-like symptoms similar to the symptoms of the Ebola virus; therefore, an understanding of recent travel will help healthcare providers screen patients.

If any suspected cases present in Maine, Dr. Sheila Pinette, director of Maine CDC, will immediately report the relevant information to the fullest extent allowed by law to the Governor and DHHS and DVEM Commissioners and an investigative team will consult with the relevant local health provider on appropriate response steps.

Media Advisory: Governor LePage to Cut Ribbon at Central Maine Cold Storage in Bucksport Grand Opening
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will visit Central Maine Cold Storage’s new facility in Bucksport. This new facility brings custom food freezing and storage capacity closer to Maine lobster harvesting operations, initially creating approximately 15 jobs with a $2 million investment and the goal of rapid expansion to add jobs.

“I commend Central Maine Cold Storage for finding a cost-efficient way to meet the needs of Maine seafood harvesters who would have otherwise continued to send their fish to Canadian facilities,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “I am proud of your sense of entrepreneurship, finding a void in the market and filling it. Bucksport, Maine is certainly still a viable place to do business. Central Maine Cold Storage is proof of that.”

Central Maine Cold Storage is a new, state-of-the-art seafood custom freezing and storage facility located in Bucksport, Maine. They offer more than 80 years of combined experience in the frozen foods industry to meet all of customer's custom seafood Individually Quick Frozen, blast freezing, frozen storage, packaging and shipping needs.

WHEN: 2:30 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2014

WHERE: Central Maine Cold Storage, 84 Heritage Park Rd., Bucksport

Statement of Governor LePage on Unaccompanied Alien Children

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released today the following statement with regard to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) who may be placed in Poland, Maine:

“Rumors have been swirling about whether a large number of Unaccompanied Alien Children may be placed at the former Elan School campus in Poland, Maine. Despite efforts by our administration, these rumors have not been substantiated by the federal government. As recently as last week, Mary Mayhew, commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, sent an inquiry to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seeking information on whether such plans are in the works. So far, we have not received a response or further information from the federal government. The Administration remains opposed to the placement of these children within Maine.”

“While we are very concerned for the health and safety of the children, we hope the federal government provides funding and an appropriate home for them if this plan is real and comes to fruition. However, since we have no idea who would pay these costs or if there is any health risk to Maine people, we cannot support them coming to Maine. The state has received no formalized plans or information about this alleged plan. As a result, the administration has no assurance from the federal government of the health status of the children or whether they have had proper immunizations, nor have we had any assurance that the federal government would pay for their health care, education, general welfare or safety.”

Media Advisory: Governor LePage to Attend Groundbreaking Celebration at St. Croix Tissue in Baileyville, Friday, October 10

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 9, 2014
Media Contact: Doug Ray, douglas.ray@maine.gov (207) 624-9802

Governor Paul R. LePage will participate in a groundbreaking ceremony at St. Croix Tissue Inc., in Baileyville. Parent company, International Grand Investment Corporation (IGIC) will invest $120 million on two new tissue machines, creating 80 new direct jobs and more than 200 new indirect jobs. Industry experts say this represents the largest single investment in Maine’s paper industry in decades.

“Maine has a deep-rooted history in the papermaking industry,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Clearly the industry is at a crossroads with intense global competition and other challenges. My administration is committed to working with all Maine paper mills to become more competitive and realize the full potential of our tremendous assets.”

The first paper machine at St. Croix Tissue is expected to be operational next fall, with the first wave of hiring taking place next spring.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend the event.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 10

WHERE: 144 Main St., Baileyville

Governor LePage to Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by delivering remarks and planting pink tulips at the Maine Department of Transportation headquarters in Augusta at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 8.

“Breast cancer affects so many lives, from those diagnosed with this disease to those in support roles such as family, friends and medical professionals,” said Governor LePage. “Early detection is critical to treating this type of cancer and I am glad to help raise awareness. Until a cure is found, it is up to all of us to take the steps needed to get checked regularly and to support those, with all of our hearts, who have to battle this awful disease.”

Also giving remarks will be MaineDOT’s Chief Engineer, Joyce Taylor. Joyce is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer after being diagnosed in late May 2014. She had a bi-lateral mastectomy in June and started chemo in July. She is through the first half of her treatments and will be speaking about early detection and taking action.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend the event.

When: 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 8

Where: MaineDOT Headquarters, Capitol St., Augusta (Across from Capitol Park)

Governor LePage Vows to Pay for Military Funerals after Feds Propose Funding Cuts
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – After learning that federal National Guard Bureau has proposed cutting the Maine Funeral Honors Program by 58%, Governor Paul R. LePage has asked the Congressional delegation to restore funding and has instructed state officials to find the resources to fully fund the program.

“Without my action, the federal government will fail to honor our commitments for far too many veterans. That is unacceptable,” Governor LePage wrote in an October 1 letter to the Congressional delegation. “Therefore, I will be issuing an Executive Order to ensure we do not let our veterans and their families go without the honor and dignity they have earned.”

The Maine Funeral Honors Program helped pay final respects to over 1,300 deceased veterans in 2013. Federal law requires that a funeral honors detail is provided for the funeral of any eligible veteran. The funding cuts would significantly reduce the Maine National Guard’s ability to provide funeral honors.

If funding is not restored, soldiers stationed in Fort Drum, N.Y. would be sent to conduct the funeral ceremonies in Maine. However, Maine National Guard officials say it is unrealistic that they could provide over 1,000 honor details a year in Maine.

“In the interim, I have instructed the relevant state officials to ensure that no honor ceremony request is denied and to find the necessary funding and resources to make up this shameful shortfall,” the Governor wrote.

Governor LePage announces $900,000 for MDEA to Combat Drug Epidemic

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced Tuesday the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) has been awarded $905,102 to combat the state’s widespread drug problem. The grant is from the U.S. Department of Justice and will be used to assist MDEA in investigating the sale and manufacturing of methamphetamine in Maine.

Nationwide, $6 million was awarded to 10 separate state drug enforcement agencies, with Maine receiving the third largest grant. West Virginia and California received the largest amounts of money. This year, MDEA has responded to 20 meth labs, the same number as for all of last year.

“I have warned the legislature repeatedly that drug trafficking by ruthless, out-of-state street gangs is on the rise, but liberal politicians have failed to take action to fight violent drug crime,” said Governor LePage. “Organized drug gangs are flooding the state with cheap heroin, and leadership in the Legislature has refused to provide the manpower law enforcement agencies need to prevent these criminals from addicting Mainers with this killer drug. This federal money will fund a minimal number of drug agents for two years, but we must address this issue on a state level with both the funding and resources I outlined in my drug bill.”

In June, Governor LePage highlighted Maine’s drug problem and identified funding for additional MDEA agents, judges and prosecutors to combat drug crimes.

In Maine, four new drug agents will be hired with the funds, according to MDEA Director Roy McKinney, and will purchase specialized equipment for the agents who respond to meth lab sites. The agents will exclusively work on identifying and investigating complaints of suspected methamphetamine manufacturing. There were 32 methamphetamine arrests in Maine in 2012, and last year that number reached 51.

McKinney said making methamphetamine, which is a highly addictive drug, is dangerous because the household components used to create it can be explosive when mixed together. MDEA has a specially trained lab team that responds to suspected meth labs, and the new drug agents will become part of that team.

“Methamphetamine is a serious drug problem in Maine,” McKinney said. “The numbers of labs and arrests have increased in recent years, which are the reasons Maine applied for the federal funding earlier in the year. This added federal funding will allow MDEA to pursue this dangerous drug threat that affects the health and safety of Maine residents.”

The federal grant, which was crafted by Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Morris and McKinney, requires no matching funding from the state and will fund the agents and equipment for a two-year period. The money comes from the federal Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

Media Advisory: Governor LePage to Participate in Maine Lottery’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 7
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531
or Gregg Mineo, Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations, 207-287-8289

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will join Maine Lottery officials and Maine’s King of Comedy, Bob Marley, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Maine State Lottery. Governor LePage will address attendees during opening ceremonies of the celebration.

Approximately 4,000 lottery players will descend upon the Augusta Civic Center as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration. The Maine State Lottery qualified 1,000 players for a chance to win four great prizes: $250,000 in cash, a Ford F-150 pickup, a Polaris ATV or a Polaris snowmobile. The qualifiers are able to bring up to three people with them to the event and both the qualifiers and their guests will receive raffle tickets for a chance at prizes such as Samsung Curve televisions, Sonos Wireless Sound Systems, Apple iPad Airs and cash.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2014
WHERE: Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta