PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 1, 2023
The trend of getting out on foot, on wheels or, during the winter, on snowshoes and on skis contributes billions of dollars to Maine’s economy – in fact, we’re in the top five nationally for what the industry does for state GDP. More than that, it’s good for us and it’s good for our environment. Maine has a further chance to capitalize on this rush, now, by creating an off-road multi-use trail along the disused train line corridor, connecting Brunswick, Topsham, Bowdoinham, Richmond and Gardiner. Ultimately, rail transit – done right – makes abundant sense. The corridor can be restored for rail use. As it stands, however, the Department of Transportation has ruled out passenger rail along this particular corridor until 2040. A trail can be put to good use in those years.