BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 16, 2023
A state fund aimed at helping Maine farmers test for “forever chemicals” will need $20 million more than it got last year, an official said Monday. The $60 million fund was established last year by the Legislature and Gov. Janet Mills, following a similar but short-term emergency fund set up by two farming interest groups after major discoveries of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in agricultural land and water across the state that have triggered a major public health response. Maine’s fund has not distributed any money yet as an advisory panel works to consider public feedback and plans to finalize a spending roadmap this summer. But the estimated need is roughly $80.5 million over five years.