We are just weeks away from the Legislature adjourning for the year, but there is still much work to be done. I anticipate my next update to you will highlight much of the good work that was accomplished this year. For now, I'd like to focus on two important, timely matters for Islesboro.
President Biden has approved the State of Maine's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to help eight counties, including Waldo and Knox, recover from the January storms that caused severe flooding and devastated coastal communities.
The federal assistance will help cover the cost of public infrastructure repairs and make direct assistance available to eligible families and businesses.
To see if you qualify for relief, you can begin the application process by visiting Disaster Assistance.Gov or calling 800-621-3362. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the number for that service.
For those who would prefer to apply in person, FEMA will be opening Disaster Recovery Centers in impacted areas in the coming weeks. These centers will offer assistance and provide information about how impacted residents can apply for assistance in person, online or by telephone. I will share more information once it becomes available.
The other matter I wish to update you on is the Maine Department of Transportation's (DOT) proposed Rule 602 changes, which would increase some of the tolls for routes served by the Maine State Ferry Service. The proposed changes would affect the Islesboro-Lincolnville ferry route, as well as ferry service for Vinalhaven, North Haven, Matinicus, Swans Island and Frenchboro.
Examples of the increases for Islesboro: Adult round trips from Oct. 1 to May 31 are currently $8 and are proposed to increase to $9, and adult round trips from June 1 to Sept. 20 are currently $13 and are proposed to increase to $15. The roundtrip cost with a vehicle from Oct. 1 to May 31 is currently $22 and is proposed to increase to $26. From June 1 to Sept. 30, the cost roundtrip with a vehicle is currently $29.50 and could increase to $37.50.
Of particular concern is the increase to the roundtrip price for a truck, which I'm sure you are aware is priced per foot. From Oct. 1 to May 31, the current price per foot is $4. DOT is seeking to increase this to $5. From June 1 to Sept. 30, the price would jump from $4.50 to $6.
I wrote a letter to DOT in opposition to these proposed increases. A major reason for my opposition is that the state is considering raising the ticket prices but currently cannot provide a consistent, reliable ferry schedule. Some Islesboro residents have shared with me their frustrations with the run from Islesboro to Lincolnville. There have been a variety of reasons for disruptions to the Islesboro ferry in this year alone, including staffing issues, ramp closures, a sinkhole, delayed refueling, weather conditions and maintenance needs.
While weather conditions and maintenance repairs are often unavoidable, the other reasons that this run is frequently cancelled, and generally with little-to-no notice, do an incredible disservice to the folks who utilize the ferry. Whether you live on an island or the mainland, Mainers deserve consistency in our infrastructure.
You can access the public hearing, the proposed changes and more here: https://arcg.is/jjy1C
As always, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any ideas, questions or concerns. I can be reached at 207-322-1414 or Rep. Paige Zeigler