U.S. Senator Susan Collins today released this statement after the announcement that the Federal Surface Transportation Board has agreed to postpone action on the proposed abandonment of 233 miles of rail line in Northern Maine in order to allow for confidential mediation between the State of Maine and the rail line’s owner, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic (MMA) Railway.
“The proposed abandonment of MMA’s line from just north of Millinocket to Madawaska would virtually eliminate the ability of shippers to move freight between the northern one-third of Maine to the southern region of our state.
“The proposed abandonment of this significant amount of rail line presents many issues and it is encouraging that MMA and the State of Maine have agreed to accept the Federal Surface Transportation Board’s offer and enter into mediation and to discuss these issues which are of critical importance to the people of Maine.”
Earlier this month, at the invitation of Senator Collins, Federal Railroad Administrator Joe Szabo and other transportation officials met with Governor John Baldacci, as well as local and state officials and stakeholders in Bangor regarding the MMA issue. Senator Collins has expressed serious concerns regarding the proposal to abandon this critical rail link, which would have a devastating impact on the economy of Aroostook County and Northern Maine. More than 20 businesses employing thousands of workers rely on the railroad.