AUGUSTA - A bill to investigate alternative uses for several dormant rail corridors in Maine, LD 1370, sponsored by Rep. Art Bell, D-Yarmouth, was signed into law last week by Gov. Janet Mills.
As amended, the bill directs the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop and utilize an active transportation plan to evaluate potential uses for dormant, state-owned rail corridors. The active transportation plan will serve as a prioritization framework for the department as it seeks to develop creative multimodal opportunities for outdoor recreation across the state. The DOT must then submit a report to the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Transportation for further action.
"I look forward to seeing what proposal comes of this resolution and am hopeful that it will provide an opportunity to reimagine the way we interact with miles of dormant, state-owned rail corridors, lying fallow," said Bell.
Bell is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents District 47, which includes Chebeague Island, Long Island and Yarmouth. He serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Bell], c. 812-1111