An Act To Authorize A General Fund Bond Issue To Fund Mass Timber Manufacturing

This bill authorizes Maine to issue $50 million in general obligation bonds to fund the design, construction, or retrofitting of manufacturing facilities producing mass timber. The funds would be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development through its Dirigo business incentives program, specifically supporting facilities using sustainably harvested Maine forest products. Mass timber includes engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber. The bond issue requires voter approval via referendum, with a November election question asking if residents support the $50 million bond for this purpose.