Somerset Development Corp. endorses east-west highway
The Somerset County Economic Development Corp. has voiced its support for a proposal from Cianbro Corp. to build a privately financed east-west toll highway in northern Maine.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the county economic development group voted Thursday to support the proposal for a road traversing the state's northern half, which Cianbro officials say will increase trade and attract investment in the state. Opponents of the project, however, argue that it will mar undeveloped sections of the state spanning from Calais to Coburn Gore.
In supporting the project, which also has support from the neighboring Greater Franklin Economic Development Corp., Somerset Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Jim Batey said he thinks the project will generate jobs and tax revenue for the area.
Cianbro officials are courting support from area economic development groups. They hope to complete the 220-mile, four-lane project in the next 10 to 12 years, a process that will depend on approval from local property owners before design and engineering work begins.
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New east-west highway proposal renews an old debate with refocused financing
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