It’s time the state realizes this would be the surest path to environmental and economic degradation. By Chris Buchanan, Special to the Press Herald Portland Press Herald op-ed BELGRADE — The proposed east-west transportation, communications and utility corridor has raised important questions regarding the state’s transportation policy. Two bills have been introduced by Maine legislators to ensure Read More
East-West Highway and Energy Corridor
The idea of building an East-West highway across Maine has been proposed and dismissed many times over the past 60 years. NRCM opposed it each time.
A plan in 2013 was promoted by Peter Vigue, President and CEO of the Cianbro Corporation. NRCM opposed it because it would have harmed forests and fragmented the North Woods; damaged rivers and wetlands; destroyed wildlife habitat; and undermined Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.
Support of LD 165, An Act To Prohibit the Use of Eminent Domain in Certain Public-Private Partnerships
Good afternoon Senator Valentino, Representative Priest and members of the Judiciary Committee. My name is Eliza Donoghue. I am a resident of Farmington and am speaking today on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine in support of LD 165, An Act To Prohibit the Use of Eminent Domain in Certain Public-Private Partnerships. LD 165 would Read More
East-West Highway Bids Sought Well Before Law Signed
The Maine DOT says it was just anticipating authorization, but critics say it shows a rush to advance the east-west project. by Steve Mistler, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story The Maine Department of Transportation began seeking a contractor to conduct a feasibility study of an east-west highway across Maine weeks before Gov. Paul Read More
The East-West Highway
Gateway to opportunity or toll on the environment? by Edgar Allen Beem Downeast.com news story In March the Maine Legislature approved and in April Governor Paul LePage signed into law LD 1671, a measure appropriating three hundred thousand dollars for an investment grade feasibility study of whether it would be a good deal for a Read More
East-West Highway: Savior or Albatross?
Environmental concerns aside, whether the $2 billion project is economically feasible or not could depend on how consultants look at it. by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Mainers are often described as being risk averse, conditioned by thin soils, frigid winters, Colonial-era Indian wars, and a century and a half of Read More
