Regarding the proposed “rail trail” between Auburn and Portland, we must not rip up the railway tracks. I strongly feel that would be a foolish mistake.

Consider these points: Rail is making a comeback. CSX is investing millions in Maine. The Maine Department of Transportation is planning close to $150 million in rail upgrades across the state, and passenger rail service is being planned for Brunswick to Rockland. Rail is more eco-friendly than trucks are – so fits in nicely with the state of Maine’s green agenda. The state of Maine should encourage businesses that would benefit from rail service to locate along this (and other) rail lines; taking traffic off our roads will make them cleaner and safer.

As far as passenger rail goes, I am sure those living in towns along this line and working in Portland would love to have the option of riding a rail car right to Ocean Gateway and the bottom of the Old Port – saving the hassle of parking in Portland. I have heard the argument that our population density isn’t sufficient to support passenger rail. I reject this notion. Our population is growing quickly. Witness the huge development happening in Falmouth, North Yarmouth and Portland itself.

We must plan for the future. The cost to re-lay ballast, ties and track will be enormous and unaffordable. Estimated costs to do this should be included in any cost estimates for building a trail on the existing rail bed. Leave the rails.

Steve Parisi
North Yarmouth

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