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Theriault submits bill for purchase and upgrade of 241 miles of railroad track
August 20, 2009
AUGUSTA – Rep. Charles “Ken” Theriault, D-Madawaska, submitted legislation for the 124th Maine Legislature’s second regular session that would authorize a $20 million bond allowing the state to purchase and upgrade 241 miles of railroad track that serve Northern Maine businesses. While the state’s infrastructure needs span all forms of transportation, rail to this area of the state provides a vital economic link.
“This line includes towns throughout Aroostook County and the northern part of Penobscot County,” said Theriault, who is a member of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. “Something has to be done about the possible abandonment of these tracks and subsequent abandonment of service to so many towns.”
Theriault submitted the bill after learning recently that Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway, Ltd. is taking steps to sell or abandon the 241 miles of railroad track from Millinocket to Madawaska. Citing the economic downturn and heavy losses, MMA’s CEO suggested that the state’s purchase of rail service would be the best possible solution.
Rep. Herb Clark, D-Millinocket, agreed. “Ensuring that these rails remain a viable shipping option for manufacturers in the northern part of the state is extremely important,” said Clark.
If the state could maintain and upgrade the railroad tracks, Aroostook County industries like logging and paper products could continue to ship their goods around the world, preserving the economic health of the region. Rep. Richard Cleary, D-Houlton, a member of the Legislature’s Business, Research and Economic Development Committee supports Theriault’s proposal and expressed concern over the potential losses in infrastructure for Northern Maine.
“Rail is crucial infrastructure for the continued economic development for the towns I represent and for Northern Maine,” said Cleary. “Allowing service to any of these towns to subside could be disastrous.”
Other Aroostook County legislators agreed, and argued that losing service on these lines would be a long term problem.
“It is critical that we maintain rail service in Aroostook County in order to sustain and encourage industry growth in the county,” said Rep. Patricia Sutherland, D-Chapman.
“The rail line is one more connection that Aroostook County has with the outside world. We simply cannot afford to lose it,” said Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Aroostook County. “I look forward to co-sponsoring Rep. Theriault’s bill and working with him on getting it passed.”
The bill proposal will go before Legislative Council in September for inclusion in the second session of the 124th Legislature.
Contact:
Rep. Ken Theriault, 728-4526
Sen. Troy Jackson, 436-0763
Rep. Richard Cleary, 532-7526
Rep. Pat Sutherland, 764-1490
Rep. Herb Clark, 723-5746
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433