AGP Executive Report

Construction & Real Estate Awards: PC Construction’s Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Harold Alfond Arena renovation at the University of Maine just earned a third major industry honor, taking the CMAA New England Chapter’s 2026 Mark H. Hasso Project of the Year Award, after prior MEREDA and AGC Build Maine wins. Maritime & Shipbuilding: The U.S. Brig Niagara completed its $6.9M restoration in Maine and sailed from Boothbay Harbor toward Erie, with a July homecoming celebration. Banking & Lending: Maine-area community banks say today’s fast-moving rate swings are forcing tougher loan decisions and more flexible structures for borrowers. Housing & Preservation: Bangor historic homeowners say proposed changes to preservation rules still leave maintenance too costly, even as the city tries to balance upkeep with affordability. Public Health (PFAS): Maine CDC expanded freshwater fish consumption advisories after PFAS testing found elevated PFOS in additional waters, bringing the total PFAS advisories to 29. Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting further FDA recalls. Politics (Maine): Graham Platner won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, setting up a general-election rematch with Sen. Susan Collins; Maine governor primaries are headed to ranked-choice tabulations. Energy/Defense: Sen. Susan Collins pressed Air Force budget questions tied to engine modernization at Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick, while top Senate Republicans signaled skepticism about another reconciliation defense bill.

Underwater Fishing Tech: CatchCam is helping small-scale Maine-area fisheries make better decisions with underwater monitoring, aiming to give fishermen a clearer view of what’s happening below the surface. Dairy & Food Tourism: The Maine Cheese Guild’s 18th annual Open Creamery Day (June 14) opens creameries statewide for tours, tastings, and hands-on demos—another boost for local producers and agritourism. Defense Manufacturing: Elmet Technologies secured $4.3M to expand domestic production of molybdenum-based components for critical defense programs, signaling continued investment in Maine’s advanced manufacturing base. Cyber & Privacy: A Maine AG portal filing flags a Discord data breach notice tied to “insider wrongdoing,” but the submission raises red flags about timing and representation—worth watching for how Maine handles consumer notification. Politics With Maine Industry Stakes: Tuesday’s Maine primary centers on Senate nominee Graham Platner amid scandal scrutiny, while broader national fights over data centers and affordability keep showing up in Maine’s business conversation.

Maine Primary Watch: With Tuesday’s primaries deciding U.S. Senate and governor nominees, Democrats are weighing how to back Graham Platner amid fresh allegations and a tight race against Sen. Susan Collins. Local Elections: Rockport voters head to the polls June 9 for select board seats, including a one-year term after a resignation. Marine & Food Tech: UMaine research finds consumers will pay more for lobster harvested with ropeless gear when animal-welfare benefits are explained, adding momentum to whale-protection-linked fishing changes. Environmental Health: Maine CDC expanded PFAS fish advisories to 28 water bodies, warning anglers to check updated guidance before eating freshwater catch. Energy & Infrastructure: MaineDOT faces a major road-and-bridge funding shortfall, with lawmakers citing mismanagement as project cuts loom. Industry & Jobs: Austal USA named Gene Miller president and added senior leaders as the shipbuilder builds out management; separately, CNC Machine Tools highlights aerospace/defense production support. Business & Growth: Broadreach Public Relations expanded its creative and integrated marketing team with new leadership.

Maine Water Rates: Lewiston is set to file revised water rate schedules with the Maine Public Utilities Commission, proposing residential rates up 10.4% and commercial up 10.7% effective Aug. 17, 2026, with industrial up 11.1% and public fire protection up 22.7%. Construction & Infrastructure: O&G Industries was named ENR New England 2026 Contractor of the Year, highlighting work across transportation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sustainable construction. Insurance Leadership: Maine’s Bureau of Insurance Superintendent Robert Carey retired June 5; Deputy Tim Schott becomes acting superintendent. Maine Energy & Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show county-by-county price snapshots for late May, including Kennebec regular at $4.10 (lowest reported) and Cumberland midgrade at $4.54 (lowest reported). Cyber & Privacy: Meta says an Instagram account-recovery flaw affected 20,225 people, including 30 Maine residents, after password reset links were sent to unassociated emails. National Health Policy Push: A major open letter backs Medicare for All, with 325+ organizations signing on. Local Politics: Maine’s June 9 primary is in focus, with U.S. Senate and House races driving attention.

Maine Primary Watch: Crowded, high-stakes primaries are ending Tuesday, with Democrats and Republicans choosing nominees for major statewide offices; the governor’s race is set for a tight Democratic finish, and the U.S. Senate contest remains the biggest political test for Graham Platner as scrutiny over past allegations continues. Portland Senate Spotlight: Platner drew a supportive crowd at a town hall in Portland, but the event underscored how quickly national attention can shift from policy to personal claims right before Election Day. Fuel Costs & Boating: Higher gas and diesel prices tied to global tensions are reshaping summer plans for boaters, with ethanol-free fuel often costing significantly more—an affordability hit that matters for Maine’s marine season. Data Center Backlash: A national story on growing opposition to data centers highlights the same concerns showing up in Maine conversations: electricity costs, local disruption, and pressure for bans or moratoriums. Maine Energy & Infrastructure: MaineDOT plans bridge and road work, including a Moosehorn Bridge replacement in Charlotte and other project updates that affect travel and logistics. Local Food & Farming: Maine ag fairs and extension programming are gearing up for the season, while farmland purchase questions continue to surface in state policy debate. Environment & Landscaping: HOAs cracking down on native plantings are linked to pollinator declines, adding fuel to Maine’s ongoing push for habitat-friendly landscaping.

Maine Politics: Maine’s Senate race is still dominated by Susan Collins vs. Graham Platner fallout, with national coverage and GOP/left-wing messaging clashing over what voters will tolerate. Food Assistance: A federal judge blocked USDA enforcement of new conditions tied to gender and immigration for billions in federal food aid, pausing the rules that states said could disrupt SNAP and other nutrition programs. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices stay volatile as global oil and shipping risks feed higher costs; in Maine’s Sagadahoc County, regular hit a low of $4.29 (week ending May 30), while Oxford County diesel bottomed at $5.39. AI & Industry: Microsoft data shows Vermont trails on AI tool use, with Chittenden County highest—useful context as Maine weighs tech growth and data-center debates. Local Economy/Infrastructure: LMH Health’s Therapy Services renovation nears completion, expanding access and adding space for specialty care. Education/Engineering: SeDoMoCha eighth graders toured local dam sites to connect classroom learning to Maine power and engineering. Housing: Oakland is dropping a proposed mobile home lot rent stabilization ordinance, even as residents push for stronger protections under a new state law.

Healthcare Construction: LMH Health is nearing completion of Therapy Services renovations at Sixth and Maine streets, with therapists moving in phases (phase one targeted for July, patient-facing space in October) to expand access and add specialty capacity. Cybersecurity & Travel: Carnival Cruise Line disclosed a major data breach tied to a social engineering attack, potentially exposing passport and ID details for about 6 million passengers, with credit monitoring offered via TransUnion. Energy & Policy: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from forcing states to accept Trump administration gender and immigration conditions to keep billions in funding, including food assistance and agricultural research. Local Infrastructure: MaineDOT will close the Moosehorn Bridge in Charlotte starting June 15 through November 2026 for a $2.24M replacement, with detours posted. Marine & Conservation: Maine DMR and Wyman’s partnership improved alewife fish passage on the Narraguagus River by extending a fishway, supporting sea-run fish restoration and coastal economy. Tech & Community Debate: Eastport residents are pushing for a moratorium on a proposed underwater AI data center, citing wetland protections and environmental concerns. Arts & Tourism: The Maine International Film Festival announced its full 29th program (July 10–19) with 112 films, including 21 made-in-Maine productions.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a law aimed at limiting the biggest data-center impacts, drawing sharp criticism from climate and conservation groups that warned of higher utility bills and pollution. Local Governance: The fight is playing out in Maine too, where Eastport residents are pushing for a pause on an underwater AI data center, citing wetland protections and concerns that “billionaire investors” won’t prioritize local welfare. Climate & Industry: A new climate roundup flags the growing environmental footprint of data centers as AI demand surges, including electricity, water, and land impacts. Transportation & Construction: MaineDOT will close the Moosehorn Bridge in Charlotte from June 15 to November 2026 for a replacement, with detours listed. Marine & Fisheries: Maine DMR and Wyman’s partnered to improve alewife passage on the Narraguagus River, extending a fishway to support sea-run restoration. Community & Workforce: UMaine Extension and the Joy Truck 4-H Collaborative will host a June 17 workshop in Brownville to help families learn how to plug into 4-H. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and diesel pricing varies across Maine counties in the week ending May 30, with several “lowest” stations highlighted.

Wood Products Expansion: Irving Forest Products’ Ashland sawmill is set to double capacity after FAME approved about $42M in tax credit financing, adding a second sawline and 68,000 square feet, with production expected to rise and roughly 80 new jobs in rural Aroostook County. Food & Compliance: Maine is hosting a food business town hall focused on permits, licensing, and health inspection expectations, aiming to make compliance clearer for operators. Energy Costs & Grid Pressure: New mapping shows residential electricity prices climbing in many states; Maine’s average is about 28¢/kWh with modest year-over-year growth, while broader demand pressures and grid investment costs are driving increases. PFAS Regulation Push: States are again weighing PFAS bans in food packaging and consumer products, with proposed rules also targeting cleanup support for contaminated groundwater and private wells. Maritime & Environment: Four Maine derelict vessels are slated for removal starting this fall with NOAA funding, targeting ongoing oil-soaked pollution and improving public access for fishing and navigation. Local Business Displacement: South Portland approved two hotel projects near the Maine Mall, but several long-running businesses say relocation timelines and communication have been unclear. Data Centers Debate: Eastport residents are debating a proposed underwater AI data center in Passamaquoddy Bay, citing concerns for fisheries and marine life.

STEM & Workforce Pipeline: Unitil’s Scholarship Fund handed out $5,000 STEM awards to six New England high school seniors, including Brewer and North Berwick students, underscoring Maine’s push to feed local health, science, and tech careers. Data Center Policy: New York lawmakers passed a one-year moratorium on new data center permits, with added electricity rate, efficiency, and labor standards—while Missouri’s stalled efforts show how fast AI demand is outpacing regulation. Maine Infrastructure: MaineDOT is closing River Road in Lewiston for 90 days starting June 8 for a River Road Bridge replacement, and Bangor’s Joshua Chamberlain Bridge work begins next week with one-lane traffic and detours. Energy Markets: Burlington Electric Department secured new Maine-linked hydropower PPAs, including output tied to the Saco River’s Skelton Hydro facility. Housing & Community Services: Maine REALTORS Foundation awarded $185,000 in grants to 20 nonprofits tackling housing stability, including deposit help and emergency heating repairs. Local Economy Watch: Dover-Foxcroft voters will decide a $2.5M bond for Lincoln Street bridge repairs on June 9. Maritime & Training: SFU partnered with Hanwha Ocean to explore Arctic tech, clean maritime energy, and advanced manufacturing—signals for future shipbuilding talent needs. Fuel Prices: Diesel hit a low of $5.49 in Knox County for the week ending May 30, with Maine averages easing slightly.

Maine Infrastructure: Maine DOT has started cutting up to $400 million in road and construction projects, citing a $130 million state funding gap, higher fuel/asphalt costs, and uncertainty around federal Surface Transportation money. Local Food & Aquaculture: Deer Isle Oyster Co. is expanding with a new oyster bar in Blue Hill and a retail shop in Stonington, adding year-round supply and more farm-tour access for visitors. Energy & Climate Resilience: Waterville’s Alfond Municipal Pool Complex added solar panels with a grant to offset about 40% of energy costs, while Surry and the Blue Hill Peninsula are ramping up wildfire defenses after the 1947 disaster. Tech & Power Demand: New York passed a one-year data center permit moratorium, adding to the growing pushback Maine has already seen after Mills vetoed a similar freeze. Industry & Jobs: UMaine students are building an autonomous RoboBoat, reflecting how Maine’s shipbuilding and engineering talent is feeding the wider shift toward autonomous marine systems. Politics (Maine): Polling shows Hannah Pingree leading in the Democratic gubernatorial race ahead of the June 9 primary.

Maine Manufacturing & Forestry: FAME approved about $42M in New Markets Capital Investment Program financing for Irving Forest Products’ Ashland sawmill expansion, boosting capacity from 130M to 250M board feet and targeting growth from roughly 140 to about 220 full-time jobs. Energy & Fuels: GasBuddy reports Maine regular gas averaged $4.41 statewide for the week ending May 30, with York County’s low at $3.79 and Aroostook County’s diesel low at $5.28. Workforce & Defense: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard hosted Career Day 2026, highlighting skilled trades and engineering roles; separately, the 101st Air Refueling Wing’s distribution team reported moving 747,000 pounds of cargo and aiding 312 passengers for Operation Epic Fury. Local Business & Finance: Community Credit Union plans to shift its Lewiston Pine Street branch to drive-up ITM service this fall and build a smaller retail branch in the Dewitt Development. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Hallowell will remove a 19th-century wooden crane at Granite City Park after an inspection found imminent public safety risk. Sports & Community: Portland Hearts of Pine secured a USL W League women’s team launching in May 2027. Tech Policy Debate: A national pushback against data centers is intensifying, with critics citing noise, energy and water use while some states consider stricter rules.

Data Centers & Energy Policy: Erin Brockovich launched the Brockovich Data Center platform to map U.S. data center growth and spotlight concerns over water and power use, while Maine is moving from debate to planning: Gov. Janet Mills signed an executive order creating a Maine Data Center Advisory Council to recommend rules by Jan. 29, 2027, and DOER/DEP are convening the group to protect ratepayers, grid reliability, and the environment. Local Business & Workforce: Maine’s career-tech momentum continues, with Biddeford Regional Center of Technology reporting a record 255 graduates and more students pursuing engineering, construction management, and trades. Housing & Cost Pressure: MaineHousing is still taking HEAP applications through May 29, as DOER reports heating oil and kerosene prices remain elevated. Maine Infrastructure: MaineDOT plans Portland pavement resurfacing on Fore and Commercial streets from June 3 to July 2. National Politics (Maine link): The U.S. House passed a war-powers measure to rein in Trump’s Iran actions, with Maine Democrat Jared Golden switching to support it.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Maine joined a seven-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s nearly $1B “pay-to-play” deal with TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it violates federal law and threatens jobs, grids, and climate goals. Construction Shock in Maine: MDOT is moving to cut or delay up to $400M in projects, already postponing about $50M in pavement work and raising alarms for contractors and the summer building pipeline. Energy Affordability: A Sierra Club analysis says Maine’s low-income households carry the highest energy burden in the U.S., with electricity and heating costs hitting hardest amid rate spikes and reduced clean-energy support. Power Rates Hearing: The Maine PUC will hold public witness hearings on Central Maine Power’s distribution rate case, with a proposed average residential impact of about $18 per month. Defense & Robotics: Rheinmetall and Harbinger announced UGV and robotics R&D for DoD modernization, alongside Rheinmetall’s $41M U.S. manufacturing expansion. Waste & Retail Safety: Maine became the first state to enact EPR for vapes and e-cigarettes, requiring producer funding for collection and disposal/recycling. Local Governance: Sangerville’s town manager returned from medical leave, and Vassalboro again discussed the Mill Hill bridge replacement options. Workforce & Skills: UMFK celebrated its first B.S. graduate in forest management, signaling continued pipeline growth for Maine’s natural resources industry. Cybersecurity Alert: The FBI warned Microsoft 365 users about a phishing-as-a-service toolkit that can hijack accounts via stolen access tokens.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Maine joined a coalition of six states suing the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that paid nearly $1 billion to cancel New York offshore wind leases, with attorneys general arguing the process was unlawful and would undercut jobs, power planning, and climate goals. Clean Energy Industry Pressure: The same dispute is framed as a “pay-not-to-play” scheme that shifts investment toward oil and gas, putting Maine’s energy and manufacturing supply chains in the crosshairs. Maine Development Watch: The University of New England is suing Biddeford over a marine research pier project, saying a city moratorium is improperly blocking work that had already been approved. Maine Finance & Growth: Finance Authority of Maine set a public hearing on $30 million in revenue obligation securities tied to Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort improvements, with competitors invited to comment. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA and CDC reopened a salmonella investigation into imported moringa leaf powder supplements after additional illnesses, expanding the list of affected brands. Workplace Safety: Federal investigators face steep budget cuts as Congress weighs reducing the Chemical Safety Board’s funding during the Longview pulp mill probe after an implosion killed 11.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition including Maine sued the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that paid nearly $1 billion to cancel an offshore wind lease, arguing it’s “blatantly unlawful” and could raise electricity costs while threatening union jobs. Energy & Grid Oversight: Maine’s Office of the Public Advocate is among ratepayer groups challenging Eversource’s $360.6M X-178 transmission project, saying it was misclassified to dodge scrutiny—prompting testimony to federal regulators. Cyber & Defense: A defense-focused report warns AI is accelerating cyberattacks and pushing defensive teams toward more proactive approaches to protect critical data and systems. Maine Health Research: UMaine and MaineHealth Institute for Research scientists published work linking the CTHRC1 protein in the tumor microenvironment to colorectal cancer growth. Vape Waste Rules: Maine became the first state to set an extended producer responsibility program for vapes and e-cigarettes, requiring manufacturer funding for collection and disposal starting in 2027. Local Business & Retail: Chick-fil-A is under construction at Maine Mall in South Portland, while a McDonald’s in Kennebunk reportedly closed at month’s end. Consumer Costs: A Maine credit-card swipe-fee push urges Congress to pass the Credit Card Competition Act as merchants absorb fees.