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Bethel Community Rallies for Rail Service

September 19, 2011 - Bethel — Community and business leaders, city and town officials, and state legislators shared ideas Wednesday for promoting passenger rail service in Western Maine.

The Rally for Rail conference, hosted by the Greater Bethel Chamber of Commerce, drew approximately 60 guests, including congressional delegate staff members.

Ed Barrett, city administrator for Lewiston, said he was happy Bethel stepped to the front and energized the movement.

"This has to be a regional effort and that's what Bethel is trying to accomplish today," Barrett said. "During the initial study Bethel leaders caught the consultants' attention and brought a lot of energy into it."

The 2010 feasibility study Barrett mentioned showed ridership for a rail service between Portland and Montreal with stops in Auburn, Bethel and Berlin, N.H., would not support the project. Mark Latti with the Maine Department of Transportation did mention that with future efforts and preparedness from the area a rail service could roll into Western Maine.

Bethel Town Manager Jim Doar said it made sense that his town took the initiative on pushing for passenger rail service.

"We are a central spot on the line and probably the biggest tourist draw also," he said. "We have a large amount of visitors from the Boston area who are already used to mass transit."

After lunch at the Bethel Inn and Resort, keynote speaker Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and former commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation, said a winning effort begins with preparation.

The crowd broke into groups to discuss key topics, including passenger demand, funding, political will and economic development.

State Sen. John Patrick, D-Rumford, said he believes passenger rail service is an essential tool for economic development.

"In the past, businesses grew from railroad service. With the increase in gas prices, a passenger rail service will be beneficial," he said. "Not only that, but it will be financially viable to start shipping freight by rail.

Erin Cox, Sun Journal, September 2011


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