Important Hearing This Thursday (5/18/23) at 1pm in Augusta on Ripping Up Unused Rails for Trails (Updated 5/15/2023)

This update corrects our prior notice dated 5/13/2023 in order to reflect that MDOT
does not support removal of the rail from the line between Portland and Auburn, and
that it does not support passage of the bill that would provide funding for the removal of
the Mountain Division line at this point in time.

We previously warned that the formation of Rail Use Advisory Councils (RUAC) in Maine could lead to the ripping up of State-owned rail lines, whether or not those lines have future rail potential. That danger has now become very, very real.

In spring 2022, one RUAC recommended that the rails on the Mountain Division line be removed. In December 2023, another RUAC recommended the removal of the rail on the line (formerly owned by the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad) between Portland and Auburn (also known as the “Berlin Subdivision”).
RUAC Berlin Subdivision Recommendation
RUAC Mountain Division Recommendation

The Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) approved of the recommendation to remove the rails from the Mountain Division, but rejected the recommendation for removal of rails from the Berlin Subdivision.

However, bills were submitted to the legislature this year to permit removal of rail from both lines. In both instances, the rail lines would be replaced by trails. A hearing on these bills is now scheduled to be heard in Augusta by the Transportation Committee starting at 1 pm this coming Thursday, 5/18/2023. Passage of these bills, and approval by the Governor, would then permit the removal of the rail on these lines as soon as money became available to do so.

TrainRiders Northeast absolutely opposes passage of LD 404, LD 1450 and LD 209. The removal of the rail from these lines is shortsighted and irreversible steps that would eliminate even the possibility of future rail use on these lines. In theory, the lines would be preserved for rail use at some point in the future, but, in fact, removal of the track on those lines would make their reconversion to rail economically impossible. TrainRiders position is that any trails should be constructed beside the existing rails, with appropriate separation and fencing to ensure that the trails would not impede future rail use after any necessary track upgrades.

 

Mountain Division: LD 404 & LD 1450

The Mountain Division section that would be affected runs from Standish to the NH border at Fryeburg. The line contnues through NH, VT to Quebec.The bills for the Mountain Division are LD 404 and LD 1450, the first being filed by MDOT, and the second by Sen. Bennett of Oxford, supported by five other senators and representatives, which provides $18 million for the “replacement” of the tracks with a trail.

St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad - LD 209

LD 209, filed by Representative Bell from Yarmouth, would rip up the line from Portland to Auburn. It's called the Berliin Subdivision. That line ultimately ends up in Montreal.

Testifying at the Thursday (May 18th) 1pm Hearing

Attendance at the hearings can be in person or by Zoom. The Comittee instructions tell you how to do this.  If you appear at the hearing in person, you must bring 20 hard copies of your written testimony to the hearing for submission to the Committee Clerk.  

Testimony from members anywhere would be helpful, but those of Maine residents is most important. Additionally, Maine members should contact their representatives and senators, particularly those who may be members of the Committee, to express their opposition to these bills.  We can be assured that a large number of trail supporters will be doing just that in support of these bills.

This is one of the most important set of rail bills that we have had before the Maine legislature for probably about 20 years. TrainRiders is preparing potential talking points which should be available shortly. If you are at all concerned about future passenger or freight rail on these lines, then please take the time to submit written testimony and, even better, to attend the hearing. If you have any questions or comments, or want to coordinate testimony, then please email TrainRiders at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

F. Bruce Sleeper, TrainRiders/NE President

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