I’m writing to alert readers to the last opportunity to preserve railroad access from Portland to the White Mountains and beyond. On Friday, April 4, at 10 a.m., the Legislature’s Transportation Committee will receive testimony on LD 676, which would fund removal of 31 miles of Mountain Division track from Sebago to Fryeburg. Testimony can also be submitted through the Legislature’s website.

Track removal is counter to Maine’s efforts to preserve this rail corridor which include: three miles of newly constructed track, one newly constructed bridge and nine miles of rail with trail preserving the corridor for recreational and railroad use. Most importantly, two railroads have expressed interest in the Mountain Division that connects Portland with St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

A Vermont-based railroad is interested in reopening an abandoned section in Vermont and New Hampshire. Closer to home, new owners of the Conway Scenic Railroad have expressed interest in the track between Portland and Fryeburg. Conway Scenic operates the Mountain Division in New Hampshire and this year begins its 51st year of passenger train operation. The potential exists for restoring the entire corridor to Vermont. What’s needed now is a pause in the plan to remove track while these rail opportunities are examined.

The Mountain Division has been waiting 40 years for the right people to come along. There’s no harm in waiting one or two years more. Please let the Transportation Committee know that rails with trails may be the best use of the Mountain Division.

Wayne Duffet
Portland