Maine Trails Coalition unveils plan for statewide Rail-Trail network
Contact: Sue Ellen Bordwell, sebordwell@gmail.com, 207-650-3858
Contact: Dick Woodbury, dickwoodbury1@gmail.com, 207-847-9300
Contact: Kristine Keeney, kristine@greenway.org, 203-530-7194
BATH, MAINE. 10/29/2020 — The Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) has released a plan for a statewide network of multi-use rail trails. The Maine Rail-Trail Plan 2020-2030 calls for the construction of thirteen specific rail-trail projects over the next decade, and at least five prospective projects for development over the following decade. Each of these projects connects with and extends existing multi-use trails and creates regional connections between communities across the state.
Also included in the Maine Rail-Trail Plan are the results of a public poll, commissioned last year by the Maine Trails Coalition, indicating that 86 percent of Mainers favor creating multi-use trails on unused rail corridors, if the trails could be converted back to railroad use if needed. At a time of great polarization, trails are a uniting cause with strong support among Democrats (87%), Republicans (83%), and Independents (88%).
According to Sue Ellen Bordwell, chair of the MTC rail-trail working group, “The plan released today responds to the profound societal changes we face in Maine and around the world. A regional trail network is critical to public health, community, and the urgent need for emission-free transportation alternatives to reverse climate change.”
In addition to their public health, environmental, and community benefits, regional trail systems provide a multifold return on investment in the form of local economic impact and tourism. They perfectly complement Maine’s established reputation for superlative outdoor recreation.
The Maine Rail-Trail Plan also calls for the continuing preservation and maintenance of a separate and active rail corridor that can be used to extend future Amtrak, commuter train, or freight service from Boston through Maine's largest population centers. The plan illustrates that the most important inter-urban corridors do not require a choice between trains and trails; that there are alternate routes that allow for both. A regional multi-use trail network is complementary to expanding transit in Maine and can provide connections from where people live to transit, increasing the potential service area for future passenger rail.
This initial release of the Maine Rail-Trail Plan 2020-2030 is a first step in envisioning the possibilities for a statewide network of multi-use trails that can connect residents to community assets, open space, employment, transit, and other destinations including schools and health care facilities. This vision also seeks to capitalize on Maine’s brand as an outdoor recreation destination by creating opportunities for adventure tourism that attracts visitors to rural and urban Main Streets and businesses.
The Plan is a living document that the Maine Trails Coalition plans to refine over time in consultation with local communities, regional authorities, state agencies, and the many interest groups concerned with rails and trails throughout Maine.
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The Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) was formed in 2019 as a statewide voice for trail users, supporters, and advocates. Trails provide enormous benefits to the communities they connect, from bolstering local economies and public safety to supporting healthier people and environments. MTC's mission is to champion the establishment, use, and stewardship of all types of trails in Maine, and its Leadership Team is committed to advancing the trails movement on behalf of the communities and people who live, work, visit, and play all across the state. For more information, please visit: https://mainetrailscoalition.org/railtrail
