As I recall, the public hearing on the proposed Presque Isle Bypass, conducted by the state Department of Transportation on Aug. 14, 2006, at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center, was standing room only. Attendance was about 300.

The overwhelming sentiment in comments that evening was against building a bypass. The lone voice favoring a bypass was that of Sam Collins, representing Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development, a Caribou-based nonprofit organization.

Jay Clement of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers did not attend and did not observe firsthand the concern about building a Presque Isle bypass.

Maine DOT has recently submitted a second-phase permit application to Clement to conduct dredging and filling in waters (including wetlands) in the Aroostook River watershed. The “Upgrade Route 1” and “No Build” options remain on the table. Studies have shown the price of a bypass in tax dollars is high and the economic benefit to Presque Isle’s downtown is negligible.

Before Oct. 23, drop a postcard to: Jay L. Clement, USACE, 675 Western Ave. No. 3, Manchester 04351. Or e-mail him at jay.l.clement@usace.army.mil. Include your name and city. Request a public hearing in Presque Isle.

Steve Sutter

Presque Isle