I’m not surprised the Bangor Daily News and others might think the protesters of the alternative route known as 2C-2 would be happy that it has been removed from consideration.

The confusing “number-letter” system and maps led us to believe that 2C-2 started at I-395 and ended at Route 9. In fact, 2C-2 turned out to be only a smaller segment of the larger 2C-1. We should have and will continue to protest 2C-1 unless the Maine Department of Transportation changes the number-letter designation again.

I hope Gov. Baldacci is paying attention to this project. If he believes this is in any way part of an east-west highway system that will benefit Down East, he is mistaken. The only ones who will benefit from this high-speed highway will be Canadian truckers on their way to I-95. This will be at the expense of 100 or so families in Eddington, Holden and Brewer who will suffer the noise and pollution as well as a huge loss of property value on their homes. The towns will not cut our property taxes in half and the state will not reimburse us for our losses.

Even though the DOT says there is a “no build option” when this issue is raised, they quickly dismiss this option. Let’s call this project what it really is, the “Canadian shortcut road.” Now is the right time to use the “no build option.” Let’s stop spending money for this project and work toward a real east-west highway that would benefit Down East Maine.

Edward F. Breau

Holden