Today, Congressman Mike Michaud, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the High Risk Rural Roads Safety Act, which will make it easier for rural states like Maine to invest in road safety measures in order to save lives. Michaud’s committee is currently in the process of updating federal transportation programs for the next several years.

“As we work to ensure that our country maintains a modern transportation system, safety must continue to be a top concern,” said Michaud. “In rural states like Maine, where travel options are often limited to roads, roadway safety is even more important. With fatalities on the rise in New England states, the case for acting is even stronger.”

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The Federal Aviation Administration announcement that it has approved investments in a number of Maine airports.

“These investments are welcome news and will allow these airports to move forward with improvements that will increase safety” said Congressman Mike Michaud, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Because airports are so important to communities and businesses, these projects also hold positive, long-term economic benefits for the regions they serve.”

A full list of FAA investments in Maine airports can be found below:

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The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority won a $20.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Portland-to-Boston service.The changes could trim another 15 minutes from the Downeaster’s running time, bringing the service closer to a goal of completing the Portland-to-Boston route in less than two hours.

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Maine has significantly more than the national average of deficient bridges, according to a new report released by Transportation for America. The report shows that more than 15.4 percent of the state’s bridges are deficient and in need of reconstruction or rehabilitation. The national average is 11.5 percent, according to the report.

After the bridge collapsed in Minneapolis in 2007 Governor John Baldacci had the state review its bridges. Once those results were issued he presented the legislature with a bond package in 2008. Now those funds are beginning to run out.

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A study commissioned by the Maine Department of Transportation and presented on March 16, 2011 in Lewiston shows the feasibility and estimated costs for extending the Downeaster train service from Portland to Auburn and up through New Hampshire and Vermont to Montreal.

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Congressman Mike Michaud, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has introduced the “Safe and Efficient Transportation Act.” The bill, which is cosponsored by Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH), would allow Maine and other states to increase the weight of trucks allowed on their Interstate Systems.

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The Federal Surface Transportation Board has approved Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway’s request, paving the way for the state to buy the line and find a new rail operator.

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The three bridges from Portsmouth Maine to New Hampshire

“The Task Force has developed a comprehensive, 30-year approach to replacing and maintaining these critical bridges,” said Governor Baldacci.

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Passenger rail projects in Maine are going to be getting another financial boost from the federal government.

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Pan Am railways helped to expand to Lewiston. photo by Ramona du Houx

Improving Maine’s railway systems has always been a priority of the governor’s. In October he was able to view improvements by train, which are underway as the result of railway owners working with State officials and the federal government.

“Rail is good for the economy and good for the environment,” said Dave Fink, president of Pan Am Railways.

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