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Sen. Collins Secures Commitment from US Transportation Secretary to Help Save Northern Maine Freight Rail Line PDF Print E-mail
Written by TRN Webmaster   
Thursday, 04 March 2010 17:09

U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, today secured a commitment from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to work with her, state, and local officials in an effort to keep the important Maine, Montreal & Atlantic (the former Bangor and Aroostook Railroad) Railway operating in Northern Maine. Secretary LaHood pledged to send the Federal Railroad Administrator to Maine to work on a plan to keep the railway operating.

The hearing video is available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPVlw3Y8nFM&feature=email

 

Comments  

 
0 #3 Christopher Parker (Board) 2010-03-08 22:07
Abandoning this rail line is akin to abandoning the whole of northern Maine! In one move any future industrial potential will be gone. No factory of consequence will locate without rail service, even if those that exist can struggle on with higher cost trucks. The forestry industry will decline fast. There are some who would argue that if the rail line doesn't pay for itself it should be let go, but they are really saying let go the whole of the region. To the cold, hard, efficient calculations of bean-counters, maybe abandoning northern Maine does make sense. Would have on winter heating, no doubt! But not all of life is about the winners of global competitiveness . We are a UNITED states and that means standing with those parts of the US that are not as advantaged in one way or another.
 
 
0 #2 TRN Webmaster 2010-03-08 19:50
This is an example of "what's good for Northern Maine is good for Maine in general."

We can't let rail lines evaporate if we are to have an effective mass transportation (including freight) system.
 
 
0 #1 Wayne E. Davis (Board, Chairman) 2010-03-04 17:41
This is a wonderful example of the special concern that all members of the Maine Congressional delegation have for our rail systems and the respect they receive from both sides of the aisle. Working together with Maine's DOT and NNEPRA on many rail issues, Senator Collins has been one of rail's greatest supporters over the years - always accessible, attentive and effective.

Wayne Davis, Chairman, TrainRiders/Northeast
 

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