Lately, I’ve noticed many news stories and commentary on the north-south I-95 extension project. These show interest and democracy at work. It is important to ensure unity in defining and voicing what we feel is right for our Aroostook population, our region, and ultimately, our state.

The northern extension of I-95 is a necessity for realizing economic development and prosperity, for traffic safety, and for providing employment opportunities for residents.

The completion of I-95 is a goal of magnitude and significance for our region. The doors on this issue are opened and will not be closed. This month, federal Environmental Protection Agency officials will be holding open meetings in various locations.

We invite all central and northern Aroostook citizens to take part. We wish to have involvement from our politicians, attorneys, company representatives, business and working people, community councilmen, selectmen, and the many diverse residents.

The EPA representatives are tasked with providing guidelines and direction. This is another opportunity to gain and maintain traction while driving the project forward. Let us come together to show how serious we are about the positive impact this highway completion will have on our region and the rest of the state.

We need to address our political negotiations shrewdly, and fairly, with fair compromises that will be acceptable to all. We are at a crucial point in this process, and we must continue to meet our challenges with determination and courage.

Don’t ever forget that we are the most important and influential voices in the project. We may be given the impression at times that other state and federal priorities and resources take precedence over ours. It may also seem that the time and process requirements involved in gaining final approval for the project’s completion are lengthy beyond reasonableness.

It is only through tenacity, persistence, cooperation and teamwork that we will triumph. We all want a project done well, and we must remain focused on the big picture in the end, that is, a significant and meaningful transportation and economic outcome for all.

Opposing arguments of the few will not prevail or derail the progress we are all working toward. Even our transportation department may need further vision and a new focus on planning. For example, much consideration should be given to a northern commercial port of entry and an eventual northern connection with the Trans-Canada Highway.

We are all thankful for all that our past and present senators and representatives of both parties have done and are doing for us. We welcome continuing help and advocacy from them. We especially ask the people of central and southern Maine to join us in championing the cause.

John F. Dionne is a retired businessman who lives in Grand Isle.