Cleary to testify on rail issue

    AUGUSTA- On Monday, Rep. Richard Cleary, D-Houlton and Rep. Ken Theriault, D-Madawaska, testified before members of the Appropriations committee about the importance of the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway (MMA) railroad line to northern Maine’s economy.
    Last fall the MMA informed the government that they planned to abandon 235 miles of track between Millinocket and Madawaska.
    “Factories and farms in the County are still reeling from last year’s recession.  How can we expect them to stay in business if they lose the ability to get products to market,” said Cleary. “The railroad is a lifeline for the agricultural and forest products industry in Northern Maine.”
    The subjects of the hearing were two transportation bond proposals that would authorize the state to purchase the rail line.  Both reps. sponsored legislation this year to allow the state to purchase or lease the soon to be discontinued rail line.
    “The abandonment of these tracks would have a direct and immediate negative effect on the companies who rely on rail for the economical transportation of their products,” said Theriault.  “Without rail service we will dramatically decrease our ability for future economic development of industry, utilities and transit operations. Biofuels, engineered wood products and wind turbine equipment businesses have been considering locating in these areas but all require rail access.  We cannot afford to lose these opportunities to build our economic base and create and maintain jobs.”
    If approved by the Appropriations committee, the bond proposals would go before the House and Senate for their consideration.  If one of them is passed and signed by the governor, it could appear on the ballot in June.