Lawmakers likely to approve bill for study of state rail lines

AUGUSTA – The status of the state’s rail system – with special focus on the east-west corridor from Vanceboro to Jackman – could be reviewed by the Legislature’s Transportation Committee over the summer. The committee voted unanimously Wednesday to approve LD 881, sponsored by Rep. Sharon H. Libby Jones, D-Greenville.

Since the bill carries a low fiscal note, it is given good chances of passage, according to Senate committee Chairwoman Christine Savage, R-Union.

Jones said the bill was sparked by her concern over the east-west rail link, which she called “the economic heartbeat of the entire area.” The Greenville area has a special interest in the line since it has plans for a summer tourist excursion program along with a request for a spur to the area industrial park.

In the public hearing about the bill last month, municipal officials said the loss of rail service would cause a mass exodus from the heart of the state. It seems like every week, another family packs up the pickup truck and leaves the area for good, town managers told the committee as they implored members to do everything they could to protect what was left of rail service.

The original intent of the legislation was only the east-west line, but committee members expanded the study to include all rail lines. On Wednesday, committee member Rep. Gerald N. Bouffard, D-Lewiston, suggested that Canadian rail officials be included in the study. Main rail lines connect with Canadian lines in both Jackman and Vanceboro. With NAFTA increasing trade between the two countries, Canadian officials have to be included, he said.

The “stakeholders” – including all Maine rail lines, the Department of Transportation, and freight shippers – will be included in the summer series of hearings, committee members said.

DOT officials advised the committee that railroads are private entities and are not required to provide any information.