Governor Baldacci Pleased with Federal Grants Supporting Maine Transportation Infrastructure

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci today said he was pleased that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $30.5 million in federal grants to support two important transportation projects in Maine.

As part of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER II, grant program, the joint effort between Maine and New Hampshire to replace the Memorial Bridge was awarded $20 million.

The federal government also awarded $10.5 million to support Maine's efforts to save the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, which was threatened with abandonment.

"The Memorial Bridge and the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway are critical to Maine's economy," Governor Baldacci said. "These grants will create and protect jobs, support important industries and maintain vital transportation links in Southern and Northern Maine."

"I am pleased that Maine has good partners in the Obama administration, in our Congressional Delegation and with the U.S. Department of Transportation who recognize that these improvements are essential to creating and maintaining jobs," said Governor Baldacci.

Governor Baldacci and Governor John Lynch of New Hampshire have been working collaboratively on plans to replace the Memorial Bridge between Kittery and Portsmouth, N.H., to repair or replace the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge and maintain the Interstate 95 bridge across the Piscataqua River.

"The bridges across the Piscataqua River are the gateways to Maine," Governor Baldacci said. "Governor Lynch and I have been working closely together to ensure these important bridges are replaced, repaired and maintained."

"Businesses in Kittery and Portsmouth depend upon the Memorial Bridge. That close connection must be maintained," Governor Baldacci said. "I'm gratified that the U.S. Department of Transportation recognized the collaborative and creative approach Maine and New Hampshire have undertaken to ensure these connections continue."

Last week, Governor Baldacci met with Governor Lynch to declare their support to replace the Memorial Bridge, to replace or significantly rehabilitate the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge and to maintain the Piscataqua River Bridge that carries Interstate 95. The estimated capital costs over the next several years could be as high as $300 million for the three jointly owned bridges.

Efforts to save the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway began this spring when the current owners announced their intention to abandon the line, which serves more than 20 companies in Northern Maine.

"Rail is the most economical, most cost effective and environmentally sound way to move wood and finished forest products to market," said Governor Baldacci. "Ensuring the viability of the rail is essential to the economy of Maine, and that is why the Congressional Delegation, Maine Legislature and my Administration have been working together to save this economic lifeline."

The State is currently negotiating the purchase of the approximately 240-mile rail line. The purchase will be funded, in part, with proceeds from a $7 million bond approved by voters in June. The $10.5 million grant will fund necessary repairs and maintenance on the railroad.

"These two grants will save jobs, protect important industries and help keep Maine open for business," Governor Baldacci said. "That's great news."

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