Of rails and trails in Maine

The recent announcement by the Sunrise Trail Coalition gives the impression that the only productive use for the Calais Branch would be as a recreational trail. The coalition points to the $4 million the state has invested in studies as proof that all avenues have been exhausted and therefore it is time to replace the rail with a trail.

Reducing this issue to an either-or proposition does an injustice to the Down East region and nothing could be farther from the truth. Rail interests have said they are willing to share the corridor, provided that it leaves the roadbed and track structure intact and unobstructed, does not violate clearances required for railroad safety and operation, and does not unfavorably impact railroad insurance qualifications and costs. The Mountain Division trail, originating from South Windham and continuing westward, is an example of trail construction along an existing state-owned railroad track within a railroad corridor.

While it is yet to be tested with rail operations, it demonstrates the cooperation among the Maine Department of Transportation, trail and rail interests, which so far has not been achieved with the Calais Branch.

By making this an either-or proposition, Hancock and Washington counties will risk being forever deprived of all U.S. links with the national rail system. Eighteen years of inactivity is not a long time in the grand scheme of things. Economies change, uses change, and technology changes at an ever-increasing rate.

So-called “rail banking,” however, would substantially increase future costs to rehabilitate the line, and removal of the rail would dissolve any future interest in restoring rail service. The economic situation which currently exists in Washington County needs to be addressed quickly, yet thoughtfully.

Dismantling the existing rail infrastructure is very shortsighted. The people of Maine acquired the line in 1986. When was it said that a new use had to materialize within a given time frame?

Historic buildings, factories, military bases and rail lines are being brought back to life with new uses all the time, all around the United States. These uses are proving to be very thoughtful and inventive, and with a positive economic impact on the communities in which they are given a new life.

Look no farther than Loring Air Force Base. People are still contemplating all the uses that may be made of this vast tract of land and buildings, including rail access. This could take 30 years before the full potential that exists there is realized.

As an example, the long dormant Fort Fairfield Branch from Easton to Fort Fairfield is now being restored for return to service by later this year.

It is very much the desire of the rail interests to work with trail proponents and Sen. Dennis Damon, along with Hancock and Washington County residents and visitors alike. We would like to work toward a positive resolution for both rail and trail for a better tomorrow for the people of Hancock and Washington counties. We would urge this cooperative approach.

In the coming months, a newly formed organization comprised of many already familiar to rail interests, some not, and this writer, will be presenting plans for its vision of the Calais Branch. This organization has been developing its plan for more than a year. We were, however, unaware of a time deadline for input, and that this unilateral announcement was forthcoming.

Information is currently being collected and researched and preliminarily, shows great promise. We would ask for the patience of the people of the Down East region, the Maine Department of Transportation and the

Legislature while we finalize our plan. This can truly be a win-win compromise for all interested in the future of the Calais Branch and the future of Maine’s Down East region.

Thomas J. Testa is a Bar Harbor businessman.