-----------------------------***-----------------------------
>From the Surface Transportation Board, Washington, D.C.
-----------------------------***-----------------------------
The Surface Transportation Board today completed its work in the multiparty
effort to preserve freight train service in northern Maine.
After months of STB-led mediation and extensive involvement
of federal, state, and local officials, Maine businesses and
workers, the Board today formally approved the request of
the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway to abandon 233 miles
of rail line in Aroostook and Penobscot counties. The action
( http://www.stb.dot.gov/decisions/readingroom.nsf/WebDecisionID/40657?OpenDocument )
will pave the way for the state of Maine to acquire the
line and find a third-party operator to serve rail customers
in Northern Maine. Meanwhile, MM&A is continuing to operate
on the line.
In addition to facilitating mediation among the parties, the
STB held a public hearing in Presque Isle, Maine, on July 7,
where Board members heard from state, federal and local
representatives, members of the public and MM&A officials.
âI am pleased that the STB was able to play a role in
keeping the trains rolling in northern Maine,ââ said Board
Chairman Daniel R. Elliott III. âIt is an important
achievement that will preserve jobs and businesses in the
state and set the stage for future economic development.â
Documents in the case, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway,
LtdâDiscontinuance of Service and Abandonmentâin Aroostook
and Penobscot Counties, ME, STB Docket No. AB-1043 (Sub-No.
1) are available at www.stb.dot.gov.
-----------------------------***-----------------------------
If you have received this e-mail in error or wish to
unsubscribe from STB News, please send an e-mail message to
stbnewslistserver@xxxxxxxxxxx and place "unsubscribe
stbnews" as the body of the message.
