Canal’s future seen as secure> Maine lawmakers express confidence

WASHINGTON — Maine lawmakers don’t foresee problems with the United States using the Panama Canal after it changes hands at the end of the month, but said they will be keeping an eye on the situation.

Rep. John Baldacci, D-Bangor, said the agreement to hand over the canal, which was marked by a ceremony Tuesday in Panama, secures the United States’ future use of the waterway.

In particular, he cited provisions that give U.S. military vessels priority in traveling through the canal and grant the United States power to intervene if the canal is closed.

“These stipulations will help to protect our national interests and to ensure the smooth operation of the canal,” Baldacci said in a statement.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Olympia Snowe expects to oversee the canal’s use in the future to ensure the American-built waterway remains open to all countries, spokesman Dave Lackey said.

The committee has held hearings on the transfer of the canal. Snowe expects the panel to continue to monitor the situation, Lackey said.

Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Tom Allen could not be reached for comment.