$182 million with interest. RCN America Network will break down each bond question.
Question 1:
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| This 1957 steam boiler is currently used to heat the Maine Army National Guard Armory in Houlton. Last year, it cost over $60,000 to heat the facility. According to energy experts, 20 percent of the air that moves through a heating system is lost just due to leaks in the system. Most of the state armories have similar heating systems, which cost up to three times the current standard to operate and maintain. For example, in Houlton, a newer, more energy efficient heating system, it would have cost just under $20,000 to heat last year. |
Below is the breakdown of where the money will go.
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| These resilient flooring tiles, still found in many state armories, like this one in Belfast, contain asbestos. According to OSHA, “The inhalation of asbestos fibers by workers can cause serious diseases of the lungs and other organs that may not appear until years after the exposure has occurred. For instance, asbestosis can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs and result in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death. Asbestos fibers associated with these health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and smokers are at higher risk of developing some asbestos-related diseases. |
$3,000,000 to purchase up to 6,000 acres of land to be used for training purposes by the Maine Army National Guard, and for facilities related to training. Federal funds cannot be used to acquire land for training, but federal funds may be used for operation and maintenance costs after acquisition.
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| Cracks in the cement foundation continually have to be patched and reworked as temporary fixes to prevent further ground water from leaking into the facilities, and warm air from escaping. More permanent fixes would help improve air quality and heat efficiency. |
Information From The Maine Army National Guard:
Why should the citizens approve this bond?Bond approval brings much needed facility upgrades which contribute to our readiness. This makes us ready to respond when called. Significant reduction in utility costs due to increases in building energy efficiency. For example, the Houlton Armory has a 1957 vintage steam heating system. It cost over $60,000 last year for the oil to heat this facility. With an energy efficient heating system, it would have cost under $20,000 to heat with oil.
A ready and capable Maine National Guard is essential to State emergency response. The Armories are the center of the Army National Guard's training, and also serve as staging platforms and community centers during State emergencies.
Adequate life safety for soldiers and community members using the facilities including improved building indoor air quality that meets current standards.
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| Years of water damage, heat and humidity from a steam boiler with no ventilation system has left noticeable effects on the concrete walls of this armory’s basement:Â cracks, dampness, white powder (efflorescence), flaking paint; structural issues, mold, mildew, insect infestation. Without a newer heating and ventilation system, these conditions, while maintained, will only continue to increase. |
With Federal matching funds added the $11M in Maintenance may be as much as $24M in actual improvements. Although it will not completely replace all of our facilities it provides much needed maintenance to upgrade the most critical deficiencies.
$3 Million is earmarked toward the purchase of training land.
$11 Million for maintenance, repairs and modernization will fund approximately 220 projects in 17 locations across the state and reduce maintenance and repair backlogs at each location.
How will the bond passage bring critical facility upgrades which will contribute to helping Soldiers/Airmen become better trained?
Facilities will receive modern upgrades that increase soldier/airman safety, and the quality of our training programs. These upgrades include fire alarms, sprinkler systems, electrical safety and adequate and energy efficient lighting systems.
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| Broken windows and un-insulated steam piping found in many of the Maine Army National Guard Armories, like this one, decrease the efficiency of any existing heating system by loss of heat through the windows, and loss of hot air through the piping. |
Many of the buildings were constructed in the 1950’s, and are not configured to accommodate today's Guard force which includes female soldiers as well as soldiers and community users requiring ADA accommodations. Additionally, State funding shortfalls (since the 1990's) have resulted in accelerated aging due to lack of preventative maintenance.
Most of the buildings do not have fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems and do not meet electrical code requirements. These are decades old OSHA violations.
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| Due to shortfalls in state funding since the 1990’s, lack of preventative maintenance in these old facilities has led to accelerated issues. This roof shows severe signs of deterioration, which has led to leaks in the interior of the building and additional loss of heat. |
Why would we spend $3 million to purchase a training area when there are adequate training locations in Vermont and Massachusetts?
The training sites in Vermont and Massachusetts are not adequate for all of our units. Each unit has specific training requirements that need to be met. We often send our units to train in many other states to get realistic training.
Traveling out of state takes up much of the time available on a drill weekend which impacts the quality and quantity of critical training requirements.
From an economic perspective, the Guard costs 1/3 that of the Active Army and has the capability to support dual missions (Federal & State). Investment in infrastructure for the Guard makes sense economically and militarily.
How will fixing/enhancing the existing facilities help the surrounding communities that do not have an Armory?
1) Every city and town either has or has had members in the National Guard.
2) National Guard members are from all areas of Maine and often travel long distances in order to serve.
3) Our Armories are not only used for mobilization/readiness training, but also as staging platforms for state emergency response.
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| Mold. Humidity, dampness, and poor lighting have created a perfect environment for mold to grow in the walls of many of these armories. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation and skin irritation. |
We have already sold 5 armories in 5 communities throughout the state to fill the funding gap in maintenance and repair funds. We do not have more armories to sell without impacting the Guard’s ability to adequately prepare for both State and Federal missions.
Currently, the Guard has facilities that do not meet code. Facilities that do not meet code or are in constant need of repair create safety concerns and distract from training.
Will the bond passage benefit the local economy?
1) Maine based consultants will be used for designs.
2) Maine based contractors will most likely be used for the repairs/maintenance.
3) Local supply stores will be used for the materials.
How will passage of the Bond enable energy efficiency and promote “green facilities”?
1) Currently, outdated construction and lack of improvements result in significant energy loss throughout the system.
2) Bond passage will enable the Guard to replace 1950’s vintage steam boilers and heating systems with energy efficient hydronic systems.
3) Perform a life cycle cost analysis to determine which type of fuel (natural gas, wood pellets, #2 fuel oil, etc.) is more efficient.
4) Replace single pane windows with energy efficient double pane windows.
The success and safety of our service members is directly affected by modern and safe facilities.
1) Our soldiers are trained to go into harm’s way both in time of disaster and war.
2) Updated and modernized armories and training facilities enhance their safety by letting them train as they respond and fight.
The photographs above show how badly the money is needed to keep these centers up to date. Photographs are provided by the Maine Army National Guard.
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