It is essential that our government is accessible, transparent, and working at its best and most efficient for the people of Maine.

It’s no secret that I’ve had concerns about the operations at the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority. Whether it’s the noisy train idling in a neighborhood for 5 and a half hours seven days a week situation, the site-location process that led to the development of the new train garage in Brunswick, or the swirling questions about contracts and management, it’s clear that NNEPRA needs a little sunlight and transparency.

Fortunately, we in the Legislature have a committee dedicated to this purpose — the Government Oversight Committee, or GOC. It is a bipartisan committee focused on reviewing and ensuring that public funds are expended for intended purposes, and that programs and activities are effectively and efficiently managed. Over the years, this committee has found there is a need to periodically review quasi-governmental agencies, such as the Maine Turnpike Authority, to ensure that they are still responsible with taxpayer dollars.

NNEPRA is a public transportation authority, meaning it falls under the purview of the Legislature, So recently, at my request, the GOC began an evaluation of its operations. I’d like to share with you what was found.

NNEPRA was created by the Maine State Legislature to develop and provide passenger rail service between Boston and various points in Maine. Their mission is to develop and manage a quality passenger rail system that meets the transportation needs of users, delivers value, and supports economic development within the region.

NNEPRA relies on a significant amount of public funds to support its service. So it is important that it is audited and reviewed from time to time. However, this is the first time since its creation in 1995 that NNEPRA has ever been audited.

The GOC report of NNEPRA suggests that the Legislature needs to do a better job of staying updated on NNEPRA’s passenger rail plans, operations and challenges. It also recommends increased communication between NNEPRA and the Legislature, to ensure there is sufficient understanding and alignment on the state’s short and long term plan and goals.

Additionally, NNEPRA should take steps to ensure that “expected costs and benefits are carefully considered and supported by objective research and analysis and that expected benefits take into full account the realities and challenges of providing passenger rail service in Maine. Timely and appropriate forums for public input and vetting of significant projects are held throughout project selection, design, and implementation such that viewpoints from members of impacted communities, as well as both passenger rail proponents and opponents, are considered.”

This is a significant finding. As we experienced in Brunswick with the layover station proposal and train idling issue, there was a real lack of public notice and input in the decisions made by NNEPRA. This should never be the standard practice from any governmental entity. I will, and the people should, expect NNEPRA to do better, and will continue fighting to ensure the right amount of sunlight, transparency and public accountability.

As your Senator, I have worked with many residents over the years to force public hearings and meetings with NNEPRA officials to ensure a public dialogue of matters directly impacting the people of this community. It was unnecessarily challenged by some NNEPRA officials to hold these public meetings, but we made it happen.

It is my hope that NNEPRA will heed the advice from OPEGA and work to improve their relationship and communication with the public.

I have held a long-standing commitment to bring passenger rail service to our region, and fought in the Legislature over the years to make it happen for us here. I have also supported every bond issue for funding rail service and served as Chair of the Caucus on Freight and Passenger Rail Service. I know there is strong support for passenger rail in Maine and I am pleased we were able to expand to our region. But, as a taxpayer-supported entity, it must listen to the people and work on their behalf if it is going to remain successful.

Stan Gerzofsky represents Maine Senate District 24.