🚆 Rail enthusiasts hit the State House ahead of hearings on major bills.
◉ Backers of four key rail proposals are holding lunchtime events on ideas to expand passenger service to Montreal, Rockland and Bangor that are at different stages in long-term planning processes.
◉ The eye-catching Montreal proposal re-emerged in the news last year when backers brought back their idea for a 14-hour overnight ride to Boston through Maine. Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, has championed extending rail to the Queen City, Lewiston-area politicians want service there and a federal expansion proposal eyed extending the Amtrak Downeaster to Rockland.
◉ Lawmakers on the transportation panel will hold hearings next week on a raft of rail bills, including proposed plans and studies on passenger rail to those three locations, as well as a study on passenger rail along four state-owned corridors. But cost and questions about interest loom. Read the bills. |
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