N.B. premier meets with Maine's governor on education, electricity

New Brunswick's premier and Maine's governor signed two documents on Friday that benefit education and electricity supply.

Premier Shawn Graham and Gov. John Baldacci of Maine met in Bangor to reach an agreement on giving students greater access to higher education, and to work together to ensure a secure supply of electricity in the region.

As a result, New Brunswick Community College students may now attend a Maine Community College to take courses that aren't being offered in the province, and Maine students may do the same in New Brunswick, without paying international fees.

Graham and Baldacci also signed a memorandum of understanding on energy. Construction began in November on a power transmission line to improve New Brunswick's ability to export electricity to the United States.

"Governor Baldacci today is faced with challenges in his region with the independent operator in the State of Massachusetts," Graham said. "New Brunswick can provide solutions now, and a new partnership with our independent system operator."