Senate passes, governor signs investments in Maine transportation led by Nangle

AUGUSTA – Late last month, the Maine Senate enacted several investments in Maine’s transportation infrastructure, sending five bills to the Governor’s desk where they now await her signature. State Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, Chair of the Legislature’s Committee on Transportation, spearheaded the effort to pass the five bills.

State Senator Tim Nangle

“We on the Committee have the unique and special opportunity to make Maine a more accessible and connected state for all those who live here — from the northernmost corner of Aroostook County to the gateway down in Kittery,” Nangle said. “By improving our pedestrian and bike trails, updating the state’s transit systems and laying the groundwork for a potential ferry service to Monhegan Island, these bills don’t just strengthen accessibility today, they open the door to future tourism and economic growth tomorrow.”

The five enacted bills reflect the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to improving the roads, trails and public transit systems that connect Maine’s communities. LDs 29 and 30 will remove state-owned inactive railroad tracks along the Kennebec River Rail Trail and the Berlin Subdivision between Portland and Yarmouth, respectively. LD 1359 will improve funding transparency for public transit services and improve coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services and those transit services that serve Mainers travelling to health care providers.

As a part of Maine’s continued efforts to honor the service of its veterans, LD 1315 provides one-time funding to the Secretary of State’s office to issue commemorative license plate decals to Maine veterans of Operation Inherent Resolve and a variety of other service officers. Finally, with an eye towards increasing tourism, LD 1186 directs the Department of Transportation to work with island and ferry service stakeholders to study the feasibility of adding ferry service to Monhegan Island.

The five bills enacted off the Highway Table reflect Senator Nangle’s efforts this legislative session to lead the Transportation Committee in support of forward-looking initiatives that strengthen Maine’s connectivity, economic future and role as a tourist destination. All five of the bills were signed into law by Maine Gov. Janet Mills and will take effect 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourns sine die. <