KENNEBEC JOURNAL • July 29, 2022
When it comes to maintaining and expanding rail passenger service, the state of Maine is at a turning point. Federal and state tax monies will be required to maintain and expand rail passenger service. The state needs to have a documented plan to grow the service over the next decade and beyond. Let’s focus on “planned” passenger rail service. L.D. 227, which calls for a propensity study for the expansion of passenger rail service to Bangor, was passed last year. Ideally, the service would use the existing right of way: Brunswick, Augusta, Waterville, Bangor. This reaches a majority of the state population north of Portland. Maine cannot afford to pass up the economic development that will occur by expanding rail passenger service. ~ Robert E. Holland, Rockland