AUGUSTA — Gov. Janet Mills has a new message for those coming to Maine.
The Maine Turnpike Authority has installed a “Welcome Home” sign just over the state’s border with New Hampshire, the governor announced Thursday.
Mills, a Democrat, promised in her inaugural address that the authority would post the new message, which replaces a sign erected by former Republican Gov. Paul LePage that said “Open for Business.” LePage had added his sign below one that said “Welcome to Maine The Way Life Should Be.” The new sign replaces both of the previous versions.
The governor said the new sign, with its message of greeting, is an effort to welcome people, including the young, immigrants, entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators and new employers to the state.
“This sign is a simple, inclusive, and powerful message which our state will send to every family, business owner, and young person coming into our state – you are welcome here,” Mills said in a prepared statement. “It is also a reminder of the love we all share for this great state as we ensure that Maine is a place of opportunity for all those hoping to create a better future for themselves and their family. To all of them I say, welcome home.”
The sign was installed by the Turnpike Authority as a part of a normal replacement schedule, Mills said. The sign is made of recycled aluminum from signs that have been taken down. The cost to install the sign primarily involved traffic control, Mills’ office said.
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