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Maine Lakes‑backed bill would redirect unredeemed bottle‑deposit funds to lake restoration; Belgrade committee eyes advocacy
Summary
Committee members heard about a bill to direct $2 million a year from unredeemed bottle deposits to a lake restoration fund and discussed Maine Lakes advocacy training to learn how to testify or submit comments in support.
Members discussed a bill backed by Maine Lakes and allied groups to direct about $2 million annually from unredeemed bottle‑deposit funds into a state lake protection and restoration fund. The proposed uses described in the meeting include watershed surveys, erosion mitigation, alum treatments, research and lake education.
Committee member Lenny said he planned to attend Maine Lakes advocacy sessions to learn how to testify and urged other committee members to consider the training. The sessions are offered online; one runs at noon and another at about 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Why it matters: Committee members said even a modest, recurring $2 million would be useful for local water‑quality projects and could fund targeted work that volunteers and local associations cannot afford alone. Members also noted pushback from beverage distributors and other lobbyists who currently benefit from unredeemed deposits.
Next steps: Lenny offered to forward session links and follow up with committee members after the training. The group agreed to monitor the bill and coordinate with Maine Lakes and the Lake Protection Coalition on messaging and possible testimony.
