Congressman Mike Michaud sent a letter with Congressman James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting a public hearing in the State of Maine on the application of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway for authority to discontinue rail service and abandon rail lines. The full text of Michaud’s letter can be found below.

“The Surface Transportation Board needs to hear firsthand just how devastating this action could be for Maine’s economy,” Michaud said. “The loss of freight rail service would be a major economic setback for the region. It’s crucial that Mainers have a chance to illustrate the significant impact that abandonment will have on our state. I will do whatever I can to help find a solution to this problem.”

In October 2009, Michaud met with Chairman Oberstar, representatives from the Surface Transportation Board and Federal Railroad Administration and a group of businesses and organizations that rely on the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway to discuss the effects that abandonment would have on the region. Michaud promised to work closely with the Surface Transportation Board and Federal Railroad Administration to ensure that there was a fair, transparent process in which all parties had an opportunity to be heard.

The STB is an economic regulatory agency that Congress charged with the fundamental missions of resolving railroad rate and service disputes and reviewing proposed railroad mergers.

The letter Michaud sent with Chairman Oberstar today can be found below.

Chairman Daniel R. Elliot III
Surface Transportation Board
395 E St., SW
Washington, DC 20423

Dear Chairman Elliot:

We are writing today to request a public hearing in the State of Maine on the “Application of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, Ltd. for Authority to Discontinue Rail Service and Abandon Rail Lines.” The abandonment, as proposed, will have an impact on numerous industries and communities throughout Penobscot and Aroostook Counties. It is absolutely imperative that the individuals that will be affected by the discontinuation of rail service have an opportunity to be heard by the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

According to the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT), the abandonment would adversely affect 22 active shippers, as well as other businesses, throughout a region that already faces significant impediments to economic development. As the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic moves forward with the abandonment process, it is essential that the STB take the time to fully consider the impact that the decision will have on established businesses and broader development efforts throughout northern Maine. A field hearing will guarantee that every Mainer has an opportunity to present the full effect of the abandonment to the STB.

On October 29, 2009, we had an opportunity to discuss the abandonment with representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration, Maine DOT and some of the businesses and organizations that rely on continued freight rail service in Maine’s Second Congressional District. During the meeting, you assured everyone present that the abandonment process would be both open and accessible. Holding a hearing in the state is the most effective way to make sure certain that this occurs.

We appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this request and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Michael H. Michaud James L. Oberstar
Member of Congress Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure