AUGUSTA — Legislation seeking $300,000 from the state of Maine for an east-west highway feasibility study is moving forward, with a change that makes the developer pay back the cost of the study if the highway is built.

The House and Senate have already approved a bill calling for a feasibility costing $300,000 in state highway funds. Today, the House amended the bill to say the $300,000 must be paid back by the developer if the highway gets the go-ahead.

The amended bill, LD 1671, awaits Senate approval.

The idea of a highway across Maine connecting New Brunswick with Quebec has been discussed for decades. The latest plan calls for a privately funded highway maintained with tolls. Supporters estimate it would cost $2 billion.

Gov. Paul LePage supports the bill.

Read the bill: “An Act To Provide Funding to the Department of Transportation for a Feasibility Study of an East-west Highway”

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.