Good morning Senator Rotundo, Representative Fischer and members of the committee. My name is Jennifer Andersen, and I am the Advocate for Environment Maine. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Senate President Edmond’s rail bond.
One of Environment Maine’s top priorities is reducing air and global warming pollution. Getting people out of their cars, light trucks and SUV’s does just that. In fact, the largest source of air and global warming pollution in Maine comes from these vehicles.
We strongly support expansion of rail transportation in Maine, not only for the air and global warming pollution benefits -- as rail is almost twice as efficient as car travel -- but also because rail decreases congestion on our roadways, provides transportation alternatives, economic development and tourism opportunities and links our cities and communities.
President Edmonds’ proposed rail bond is an integral part of promoting and enhancing rail travel in Maine. Currently, the Downeaster passenger train travels from Portland to Boston four times a day. With this bond proposal, we have the visionary opportunity to expand this successful and popular service to Brunswick and beyond. Investing state dollars now gets us more bang for our buck in the long term.
Track improvements are needed to provide the speed the Downeaster will need if it is to carry passengers to Freeport and Brunswick. The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority that operates the Downeaster has already said they are able and willing to run two trains a day to Brunswick if these improvements are made. In addition, Maine Eastern Railroad would then be able to link Brunswick with Rockland, where they already have seasonal service. And there’s even been talk about expanding passenger service to Augusta.
Rail infrastructure should be a priority just as highway, roads and bridge infrastructure is currently. In fact, we should make rail an even higher priority than it is today as our over-dependence on automobiles has led to our spiraling oil use, sprawling land use patterns and pollution.
In closing, while we support the Governor’s proposed bond funding for a variety of smaller rail improvements we strongly support President Edmonds’ proposed rail bond and expansion effort. We urge you to approve the close to $40 million in bonding necessary to carry out this vital rail expansion project. It is a worthwhile investment that comes with a pay back not only for our environment but for our Maine economy as well.
