Sen. Collins seeks input on rail’s importance
Staff Writer
In an effort to ease transportation concerns, Sen. Susan Collins has been instrumental in getting truck weight limits lifted over the next year, with trucks weighing up to 100,000 lbs. now able to travel I-95, instead of having to get off and traverse narrow roads through towns and cities across the state. She was recognized by Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) during a meeting of the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club Feb. 19 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center.
“The truck weight bill is one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of. There’s no sense to defer trucks to secondary roads. It will help ship products more efficiently, improve fuel usage and improve safety. It will also help reduce wear on rural roads,” said Collins.
When asked about Montreal, Maine and Atlantic’s proposal, Collins said she was “deeply concerned” and was actively pursuing all options possible.
“I’m so worried about MMA’s petition to abandon track. I and Sen. Olympia Snowe supported a petition for federal funding, but unfortunately it didn’t come through this round. Maine is looking for a bond option,” said Collins.
“This is very serious,” said Collins of northern Maine’s rail future. “The Surface Transportation Board will have to approve abandonment. I want my office to work with LEAD and County businesses to put together comments I can share with the board.”
MMA notice of abandonment was expected to be filed by Feb. 24, according to the Maine Department of Transportation. According to a release from DOT, the abandonment would “adversely affect some 22 active shippers and other businesses in the region that currently utilize the rail service for freight movement.”
Collins requested comments from all interested parties, to be submitted to her office. Comments can be sent to Philip Bosse, state office representative, via e-mail at Philip_Bosse@collins.senate.gov, by faxing to 493-7810 or mail to: Philip Bosse, Aroostook County Office, 25 Sweden St. Suite A, Caribou, ME 04736. FMI, contact 493-7873.
Rep. Mike Willette, D-Presque Isle, said he recognized the importance of rail service in southern Maine, since products headed out of state have to travel through that section of the state.
“What’s being forgotten is that there are a lot of products here that, without rail, won’t make it to market. The end result will be increased prices for those goods, based on supply and demand. It will also mean lost jobs here,” said Willette.
Willette said if the line is discontinued, it will be a history-making decision.
“This would be the longest stretch of rail mothballed in the U.S. We don’t need that to happen,” said Willette.
Collins, a County native whose family operates businesses from Caribou to Houlton, said she knows how important rail is to the area and will do everything she can to find a working solution that will help the area grow and prosper.
“We don’t need further obstructions to improving business in Aroostook,” said Collins.
SEN. SUSAN COLLINS HONORED — Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) presented Sen. Susan Collins with a plaque, honoring her support of getting trucks weighing up to 100,000 lbs. off rural roads and back on I-95. The presentation was made during the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club’s Feb. 19 meeting in the Star City. Pictured, from left: A.J. Cloukey, president, Presque Isle Kiwanis Club; Sen. Susan Collins; and Ginny Joles, of Maine Public Service, who presented the award on behalf of LEAD.
