Railroad wants state to buy tracks
The Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway wants the state to buy its tracks between Millinocket and Madawaska because it says the lines are too expensive to maintain.
The company is taking steps to abandon the tracks, a legal process that would last between eight and 12 months, but wants the state to step in and purchase the 241 miles of track. Under such a deal, the Maine Department of Transportation would own and maintain the tracks but allow the company's trains to use the rail lines without interrupting service, the Bangor Daily News reported. A spokeswoman for Gov. Baldacci told the paper that he supports passenger and freights rail, but did not specify whether the state has the resources to buy the tracks within the abandonment timetable.
The tracks and land between Madawaska and Millinocket are worth roughly $17 million, according to the paper. Upgrading the tracks would cost an estimated $6 million, with annual maintenance costs totaling about $2.5 million.
The railway began operating in 2003 and owns more than 745 route miles of track in Maine, Vermont, Quebec and New Brunswick. Much of the freight it carries in northern Penobscot and Aroostook counties is pulp wood, wood chips, lumber and fuel, the paper reported.
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