Maine voters approved a conservation borrowing package Tuesday but the fate of two other bonds remained uncertain.

Unofficial returns from 75 percent of state precincts showed majorities for passage, but the margin of support was narrow and the outcome too close to call.

Tuesday’s balloting on bonds was divided into three parts, with voters given an opportunity to approve or reject $55 million for research and economic development, $43.5 million for upgrades at educational institutions and $35.5 million for natural resource initiatives.

As widely expected, Question 4 won strong support with 63 percent approval.
The bond includes $17 million for the Land for Maine’s Future program – a fund that helps land trusts around the state buy or preserve open spaces – $7.5 million for state parks and historic sites, $5 million for river-based community and economic development projects and $3 million for working waterfront preservation.

Question 2 – designed to provide $50 million through a competitive Maine Technology Institute fund for biotechnology, aquaculture, and marine, composite materials, environmental and other forms of technology, and $5 million in low-interest loans for business and agricultural development – was backed by 51 percent to 49 percent with 471 of 626 precincts reporting, according to unofficial returns.

A similar majority of 52 percent favored Question 3 – the $43.5 million education bond issue. It earmarked $23 million for building renovations and improvements of the University of Maine System campuses, $15.5 million at Maine Community College System campuses and $1.5 million at Maine Maritime Academy. The remaining funds would go to grants and loans to revitalize downtown areas, historic and cultural sites and libraries.