AUGUSTA, Maine — Concern about whether the construction of an east-west highway through rural central Maine would require the taking of private and public land has prompted a longtime supporter of the project to ask Gov. Paul LePage to slow it down.
Democrats characterized Monday’s development as “political cover” against a concept that has proven to be unpopular.
Sen. Doug Thomas, R-Ripley, said Monday that he asked LePage on Friday to suspend a Maine Department of Transportation feasibility study on the project until at least the next legislative session, when Thomas expects to sponsor a bill in an attempt to change Maine’s constitution to bar eminent domain takings of private property. Eminent domain is a legal mechanism that allows government bodies to take private property, usually paying fair market value, in order to accomplish projects that are deemed to be for the public good.
Thomas, an eight-year member of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, said he supports the east-west highway proposal being pushed by Peter Vigue, chairman of Cianbro Corp. in Pittsfield, but only if it can be accomplished without any eminent domain takings.
Thomas sponsored a successful bill in the last legislative session that called for the Maine Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on whether an east-west toll highway can support itself while creating jobs that would slow the outmigration of young people from Maine. The study will cost the state an estimated $300,000.
“People have worked hard all their lives for what they’ve got and they don’t want to give it up,” said Thomas. “If we have to stop the study to put this to rest, let’s do it. People need to feel safe in their homes.”
Rep. Herbert Clark, D-Millinocket, who is running against Thomas for the Senate District 27 seat in the November election, said Monday that Thomas is seeking “political cover” from an issue that is unpopular with his constituents. Clark was a sponsor of Thomas’ bill calling for the feasibility study in the last legislative session but he said Monday he regrets signing onto the bill without first doing more research. Clark said if elected he will work to repeal it.
“[Thomas has] been in hot water in his district,” said Clark. “I’ve been going door to door and there haven’t been too many people in that county who are in favor of either the corridor or the study. We’re all looking for a silver bullet for economic development, but it doesn’t look good for the east-west highway.”
Rep. Edward Mazurek, D-Rockland, ranking Democrat on the Transportation Committee and its former chairman, said Monday he opposes the project and couldn’t think of any circumstances that would change his mind, though Mazurek also supported the bill calling for the feasibility study when it was in committee, but voted against it in the House.
“We need more information,” he said. “We’re talking about a really major project. We’re talking about a disruption in the whole vision of Maine. There has to be a lot more concrete evidence that it’s a needed economic tool in the state of Maine.”
Thomas responded to those comments by saying he is merely trying to ensure that enough information comes to light to help people — both in government and private citizens — make the right decisions.
“I’m just listening to my constituents,” he said. “I don’t think they have anything to worry about but they’re convinced that they do. I think it’s still a good idea, but I think that we need to slow it down.”
Vigue said Monday he supports both of Thomas’ initiatives and repeated a pledge he has made before: That the east-west highway project can be accomplished without any eminent domain takings and without encroaching on public lands protected by conservation measures.
Vigue said he is studying various routes for the 220-mile highway through Maine and that his chief criteria are cost-effectiveness, efficiency and a route that is as unobtrusive as possible to private property owners and public lands. Vigue proposes to develop the highway as a private venture, which he said is rare in Maine but becoming more common across the country as local, state and federal budgets are stretched.
“We were very supportive of the Legislature putting forward an independent investment-grade study, and we continue to support that decision,” said Vigue during a telephone interview Monday. “If they believe that because of the current information that they have that the study would be inconclusive, certainly we support putting off the study until we’ve been able to develop more specific information in terms of the routing. We’ve made it very clear in our public meetings that we’ve had across the state that there will be no eminent domain.”
Thomas said he prefiled a concept draft of a bill on Friday that would outlaw eminent domain takings. He said such a change would require approval by two-thirds of the Legislature followed by a successful statewide referendum.
“I still believe that the study will reveal the economic benefits of an east-west highway, but I want it done in an atmosphere of trust and thoughtful deliberation,” said Thomas. “It’s important that this process be done right. I am asking that this study be delayed until we have safeguards in place to protect private property rights.”
Adrienne Bennett, director of communications for LePage, said Monday that while the governor is a supporter of the east-west highway project in concept, he agrees with Thomas about personal property rights and the dangers of eminent domain takings.
“He acknowledges Sen. Thomas’ request, that there may be some potential issues here and that more information is needed to move forward,” said Bennett. “The governor is a firm believer in private property rights. We want to be very clear that that is the case.”
Bennett said LePage demonstrated his opinion on private property rights by supporting a controversial legislative proposal earlier this year, known as the “takings bill,” which would have allowed property owners to sue the state if any new regulations lead to a loss of 50 percent or more in property value. The bill, which had strong Republican support, was killed in the Senate in May, with some legislators suggesting it needs more work in the next session.
Bennett said the governor’s staff will meet with officials from the Department of Transportation this week to discuss the timing of the east-west highway feasibility study.
Ted Talbot, spokesman for the Maine Department of Transportation, said the department has been evaluating and re-evaluating what the scope of the study should be, and it has been growing.
“We are aware of Sen. Thomas’ press release and we are looking into how it impacts the study,” said Talbot.
Thomas said his latest efforts around the project were attempts to keep constituents informed.
“The reason we put this in place was for transparency,” he said. “We thought it was a good idea. I never expected to step in a hornet’s nest like this.”
We already HAVE an east- west highway! Route 9! Any other idea is ridiculous!!
Right! It is little used, so why do we need another one?? The maintenance on RT9 is going to be staggering in a few years. Canada has a new crossing that connects RT-9. This East West is a boondoggle. If they do this, we might as well let Canada annex all of Maine north of it, at least the people could get health care.
Careful. I made that observation and I’m in the running as 1st Prize in the Take Osama on a 1 way Trip raffle. What’s not so funny is that Henry Joy, about 5 years ago, pointed this exact same arguement. Now no one is laughing and everyone is beginning to ask question’s. About time !
Rte 9 goes from Calais to York. I’m thinking that’s south. And RTE 9 from Calais to Brewer is the only part you can travel at a decent speed. The rest of Rte 9 is a twisting, turning, bumpy mess that travels through small town after small town.
Right, it is not anything like a major highway that allows goods to leave and come into this state. It is useless for a primary transport route.
Park by the Irving gas station just behind the Chamberlain Park on North Main Street, Brewer. It’s amazing to see the amount of Canadian freight traffic that zooms by.
Drive it, lately? Long stretches have been straightened out. The Maine State Highway Department has been making many improvements. Even the Whaleback seems to have lost its hump.
It’s still the shortest route from Brewer to Calais.
I thought that private concerns do not have the right to use eminent domain takings. This road is going to be a privately owned road. I am confused.
Supreme court ruled that you can infact take land through eminent domain and then use it for private use.
True (U.S. Supreme Court ; Kelo vs Ciy of New London Connecticut) but in doing so, under 4th Amendment requirement’s, that land must be paid for by the Taking Entity at MARKET VALUE. Given that LePage keeps spouting that Maine’s broke, where’s Maine gonna get the money ? Gee, do I hear the phrase ‘Transportation Bond’ being mentioned more frequently ? And since Cianbro is saying that they don’t have any eminent domain authority, that means that Maine’s gonna have to do the dirty work for Cianbro when they run into someone who’s just not going to sell. Again, where’s the eminent domain money coming from since Maine’s the one that’s going to have to pay the bill ? Maybe Cianbro’s gonna slip Maine some buck’s to help them get over their cash flow problem’s. And cow’s will fly at the same time, yeah !!
It’s also not such a big surprise that Thomas wants to slow this down since he’s got his neck out so far on this one. You wanna’ play in the kid’s big sandbox you had better be ready to get some sand in your short’s. And it’s not a huge leap in logic to see where the DOT is coming from. Their Staff got caught on this one and now their trying to find a way out. Folk’s, OPEGA is your only salvation and you might think about using real quick. As far as Vigue is concerned, well, that $ 300,000 K feasibility study money is now very much in limbo. Does anyone want to have that money out there, hanging like a target over there ‘too-too’ for the whole world to either laugh at or worse. November is coming and the voter’s are now looking even harder at just who’s representing who’s interest’s. Anyone getting caught playing ‘footsie’ and a slap on the fanny will be the least of the problems coming down the road for a very long time.
I think you might want to check if this is Peters thing, and not cianbros. every word that comes out of his mouth is protected somehow
It’s Cianbro’s plan with Peter as one of the spokespeople.
You know what thought done.
(-;
Senator Thomas is jumping the gun by prefilng a bill for the next legilsture don’t you think?
He’s assuming he’ll be reelected.
This is an election year political stunt. Here’s what Senator Thomas said about the East-West Highway idea just a few months ago:
“This road will connect Central Maine with millions of new customers and improve our economy,” said Sen. Thomas, the measure’s sponsor.
Representative Clark, Mr. Thomas’ opponent, has repesented his district well against attacks from Augusta concerning withholding school money over the paper mill dump.
Vote for Clark who works for the people and not Thomas who works for Vigue and Chianbro.
Yep, sure sounds like back-tracking on Thomas’ part. Probably he saw just how much opposition there is to the E-W road in his district already and wants to sound more like a “moderate” suddenly…
And, I would want to know more about this: “Thomas will sponsor a bill in an attempt to change Maine’s constitution to bar eminent domain takings of private property.”
I am not a big fan of eminent domain, but sometimes public projects cannot be done any other way, and at least there is an established–and a PUBLIC–process for these takings, for a bridge ramp for example. But this article does not specify if he is coming out against ALL eminent domain takings or the ones that should NOT be allowed, takings to profit private developers.
For background info, pleas google “Kelo v. New London” where a woman lost (at the US Supreme Court!) her home to a big pharma Corp. that promised that city a bigger tax base, than her modest little bungalow would bring in…kicker was it was never built, after she had it taken from her.
Beware State Senators bearing “gifts.” Take a look “inside” the wooden horse before accepting it.
Thomas said: “I never expected to step on a hornet’s nest like this.”
Voters are beginning to figure out what, “Open for Buisiness” (and not for people) is really all about.
Vote for Clark in Senate district 27.
No it’s Liberals like yourself who want to continue the Welfare culture here in Maine. With them doing what they do best always saying NO to any idea that is brought to move Maine and it’s economy foward. That is spewing more lies, more false statements about this road. They have fought each and every proposal that creates good paying jobs here in Maine and have gotten away with it. Because they don’t want jobs here in Maine. They want this state to always be poor, with folks always dependent on Welfare Programs and have their hands tied to Augusta through a Nanny State. Any move upward in state’s economic ranking they do everything to find fault with it. When you have folks like Emily Cain, Justin Alfond, Phil Bartlett, Diane Russell, Peggy Rotundo, John Martin in Augusta expect us to be at the bottom of the barrel. Because these folks aren’t job creators they are welfare cases /political hacks who continue to live off taxpayer dollars. They all have government jobs, no business experience, and are involved with the Social Program Sector being a provider (All involved with Welfare) which also gets our tax money.
AMEN…This is a state full of NIMBY NANNY types that like to complain about no jobs like they complain about the weather but in reality like things just as they are..I’ve got mine so screw you..No more change after my house was built…Having worked in construction for 30 years I’ve seen it many many times…After their house or business is done they become instant environuts and fight anymore houses built on that road…LOL…
So… anyone who objects to having their property seized for an unnecessary highway that benefits only a private developer is suddenly just a person on welfare who should be ridiculed?
The Left has done everything in their power to stop any honest decent idea that creates huge amount of jobs and economic benefit to Maine. They have fought LNG, Casinos, Infrastructure (East-West Highways etc.) , Coal Gasification Plants (Wiscasset), put limits on big box stores, Manufacturing jobs, Tribal Business Ideas Etc Etc.. Democrats always claim they have Maine Working Families backs. They are saying it now because they are in trouble in an election year . Why because they are fielding not enough candidates for the legislature (11 seats already lost to Republicans). Well their record from 1974 to January 2011 shows otherwise. They have slammed Working Maine Families , Maine Retirees and All MAINE Taxpayers with massive tax hikes, spending hikes, welfare programs, and nanny law that Maine doesn’t have the money or population to support. They have created every awful business regulation or policy that destroys businesses and jobs. If someone ever wanted to start a small business in Maine under Maine Democrats it would in most economists view die within a year tops if not earlier. If that is Democrats view of being Pro-Business we are in a world of trouble. Because if they aren’t paying attention look at the huge amount of people leaving in droves, businesses and factories closed, empty storefronts in downtowns in all local Maine Communities. Well making Maine an Eco-Friendly Paradise which all Environmentalists want isn’t going to be supported either. Why because towns in Northern Maine have rejected that idea through Referendums and Town Meetings. So the left better start coming up with ideas because folks patience is starting to become thin. We have been fed so much lies by Democrats , Enviros, Special Interest and their supporters and the results aren’t there. Peter Vigue is a visonary who like most of us love Maine and want it to move in a new and bright direction. Only to be fought by those who want to keep Maine down keeping the failed status quo. Well those who want that failed vision start ponying up the bucks to pay for it. But those of us who want change we should be allowed to have our change. If this succeeds which I think it will we willl see Democrats who wanted no part of this do what they always do. They blame everyone else for their failures but when someone else succeeds always take the credit for their success. They have it both ways and they have done it for decades getting away with it and have never been called out on it by Republicans, Independents, Greens , Business Leaders and the Maine People. Democrats are nothing more than hypocrites and ego driven folks.
Sorry but most of us live in this region because we want to. If we want New York City we will move their.
I agree
“He assuming he’ll be reelected”. Maybe it’s because the district is an Ultra-Republican one that has elected Republicans or Independents who caucus with Republicans every single time . Every race Doug has run he has won and by large margins each time. Doug is very popular here in this area. Somerset County hasn’t elected too many Democrats. Folks here feel that Democrats are the cause on alot of the problems here in Somerset County and the 2nd District in general. Doug Thomas is like alot of folks here in the 2nd District they are tired of Democrats, Environmentalists , Roxanne Quimby and other lobbyist coming in and stopping anything that creates progress here that brings in good paying jobs. We are tired of the rural cleansing that i going on in this district. We are tired of the Cynthia Dill’s coming up here out of her State Senate District and campaigning for Roxanne Quimby’s park. A proposal that towns here in the 2nd District voted down and by large margins. With that park not going to happen folks. We want this road to be built, we want the economic benefits this road brings. We have seen all the lies, deceptions , scare tactics done by the left to have folks oppose this road. Folks oppose this road because they live on government programs most of these folks they are scared they might end up losing benefits. It’s time we move this state in a new direction. One that is more prosperous, creates large amounts of jobs, brings in businesses of all types. One that is thriving instead of being a haven for those living on government programs that is in extreme decay and crumbling more each and every day. That is the way life Democrats want it to be.
You must be very smart to be able to speak for everyone in Somerset County and the entire Second District. I notice though that, as of now, three people agree with you and forty-one agree with me.
As a wise man once said, maybe you should go sell crazy somewhere else.
The reason Doug is so popular is that he is a woodsman and he knows how to chop and sooner or later he is going to use his trade in Augusta and that is why we keep sending him back.
LePage and Vigue are tight. I don’t see any support coming from LePage on this one.
I do. LePage will protect the people over Vigue
That is not what Adrienne Bennett said in the press herald is saying tonight. TShe said LePage is a huge supporter of East-West Highways and although he is listening to his concerns of Mr. Thomas. The study will likely continue with changes to the proposal being looked at. As I stated I think all of the doubters will be very surprised with the final results. It is not what the doubters are claiming it to be a huge boon for cianbro. It will be an economic boost for Maine and its people.
Eminent Domain is a dirty word. Lets hope that in our eagerness to build a highway, we don’t give the farm away to a mega company that will do what it wants, when it wants with the land it “acquires.” Don’t jump on a bandwagon until you know where it’s going. It’s good to know that at least one politician has the courage to question the Cianbro push to build a big a mega highway that leaves them with billions in profit and the forced take over of God given land.
God given land? Where can I get me some of that? I had to PAY for mine.
Right, and the previous owners stole it from another country (France), and before that the previous owners (Natives) had it stolen from them.
Us humans are pretty good at stealing, no?
That must be the land Quimby bought
You are correct, sir.
Cianbro isn’t pushing this. Peter is. thats why he came out of retirement a couple years back. Peter may be using the company name here and there. but thats it. This is Peters doing.
He has been talking about this road for more than 20 years now. He talked about this idea back when Angus King was governor. The route went through Central Maine using Rt. 2 instead. He is tired of seeing this state be a welfare state. He wants to get Maine out of the economic wasteland that Democrats have put this state in. Liberals don’t like it because it puts a huge dent in the Welfare State that Maine currently has. They are afraid what is likely to happen once this road goes in that things well start moving in a more positive direction. That they will finally have to start job hunting and their welfare benefits going to end. The Welfare State is unaffordable it’s time to go in a new direction.
Regretfully, no it’s not. Cianbro, by maintaining Vigue as it’s Chairman of the Board, is now tied to this project, heart, mind, body, soul and CORPORATE CHECKBOOK ’till something do us part. They had, by their own public statement’s, their own corporate people draft the Highway Act, around the time when Vigue came out of retirement, had their State House crony’s submit it, get it read, and then get it thru the hearings process at almost lightspeed so their would be no time for public review and comment, and then had the Governor sign it into law before anyone could object. That Sir does not happen by accident. Someone who knows The System, and has manipuated it before, did this. But now they got caught and all of their so-called friends are now looking for cover or shopping for lawyer’s and immunity deal’s. The Highway itself has now become secondary to what is actually being seen, that being the public selling of Maine’s public integrity and it’s citizen’s to whoever has both the biggest checkbook and can hide their corruption from the public the best. Nov 6th is when we all have that opportunity to take back our State and say ‘HELL NO AND WE AREN’T GOING BACK ! ‘. The time to start looking into that mirror is now……….
Good comment! The wool has no been pulled over your eyes!
Pete hasn’t been in retirement, check your facts
East-West Highway = GOP Land Grab.
Yessah
I’m teaparty and see this as criminal
I’m Republican, and I don’t support this in any way. I see no good coming from it.
I’m independent – liberal, and agree 100%.
GOP= Greedy Old People
munebaght, no you people like to split the parties to get what you want done. I don’t know any GOP who don’t think Peter is up to no good. Together we Stand divided we may fall.
Not this time.. GOP/DEM= no private Candaian highway
Cutting a huge swath through our State is a huge decision in itself.
Cutting a huge swath recklessly, and for the primary profit of a single rich man, is irreversibly foolish.
Public Loses
After reading the article Aug 7 Bangor Daily News on the giving of the
Campground Road [Wilson Stream Road]in Elliotsville to Roxanne Quimby I
called state senator, Doug Thomas to discuse the possiblies of a peoples
petition to put this matter to public vote if the commissioners approved
this giveaway and the right number of signatures are gathered from the
citizens of Piscataquis County. He told me it could’t be done as their was
nothing in the Piscataquis County charter that allowed for this action by
the citizens on any discession these 3 commissioners make and he was quite
disappointed as it can be done at the local, state and other counties in
this state and has been many times as we all know.
In Piscataquis County the commissioners answer to no one other then who
they want to and in this case it may be the money crowd. The citizens of
Piscataquis County must find a way to take this absalute power from the 3
county commissioners. Contact your local state officials and find out how
this can be done.
It may be to late to save the Campground Road for the people of
Elliotsville, who have managed it quite well for a century and proved that
it was owned by the people and not Roxanne Quimby just months ago.
It would be in the best interests of all involved if the commissioners
took about 500 feet from the stream back acrossed the road so a trail
could be built for those who wanted to hike to the falls.
The Bangor Daily reported the next commissioners meeting is Aug. 28 for
the final vote when meeting is really on the 21. [good way to keep people
away]
If the people used it for twenty years they continue have an easement across it!
Get a Lawyer
I wonder how many people are getting their pockets lined for this…
No East West BoonDoggle!
” suspend an ongoing feasibility study
into the project until at least the next legislative session, when
Thomas will sponsor a bill in an attempt to change Maine’s constitution
to bar eminent domain takings of private property.”
Soooooo, you want to Governor to wait so you can enact a single piece of legislation to kill the project? Hmm, that sounds good for Maine.. No, not really.
Maine doesn’t need this highway.
No but Canada does.
You can stop on RT-9, light a smoke, check your oil, and continue with out seeing another car, I have done this, so why, do we need another highway to stop and check our oil on? This is most scary, something is up, there is a woodchuck in the woodpile somewhere.
Brilliant.
My thoughts exactly – phrased better though.
.
Canada is a big Country, it is long, across our US Border, why is this little section, that has a RT-9, getting this attention, what is going on?
Bravo.
“Public Power, Personal Gain: The abuse of eminent domain,” google and read this article, it explains eminent domain fully. This really happened in Atlantic City and the little guy won.
Build it underground. East west Quimby tunnel.Worked like a charm in Boston.Guarantee it can be done on time under budget.Nothing corrupt here…
here’s a thought:
How do you all like paying ever increasing tolls to use the turnpike, even if it’s the crappy few miles between augusta and gardiner? you like those tolls? people that work in portland and take 295, that’s 2 dollars per day, 10 per week, $520 per year.
That’s a months rent, a few months of food, an expensive car repair, clothing for a year.
and it all goes to the “quasi-state” MTA
which is a load of b.s.
so, is that what we want to burden our next generation with? more tolls? money that will leave Maine and go to the pocket of some rich guy on wall street?
then you’ll have to pay money to travel north/south and east/west.
they’ll eventually make you financial prisoners in your own state (unless you pay the tolls.)
where you won’t be able to drive at all without paying some private company.
Thank God we’re not proposing building a fourlane highway from Kittery to Houlton. I’d just love to travel secondary roads to NH, wouldn’t you.
Let’s face it; Maine does not want to be part of the twentienth century much less the twentyfirst.
We will continue to be the leech of america taking everything we can get from the government and giving nothing in return.
It’s a truck toll road not a toll highway. it’s design is to allow Canadian trucks to pass without going through customs.
You’re actualy closer to the truth than you realize. I-95 was originally supposed to be a 4 lane, EACH WAY, highway. Maine’s end was supposed to run from the Limestone / Easton area south to Houlton and then off to the south on the route it sit’s on now. Nowadays the National Defense issue isin’t the pressing one but it’s use in a national weather-related event is. So is the fact that the entire Maine delegation got I-95, at least above Bangor, released from the Fed’s DOT Highway weight restriction’s. That alone should have gotten the economy moving as far as the major carrier’s are concerned, not to mention the lumber folk’s who are asking about shipping their product south. Maine isin’t a leech but a State that is just under utilized as far as what we have, here and now, and is looking for that opportunity to show ‘itself’. Millinocket’s new bio-coal plant, and the need to ship it’s product thru Maine port’s is now open to it. The ‘when and how’s’ are there. If the business community is so hurting for opportunity’s, here’s a big, immediate one. Win, place or show, Maine wins anyway you look at it.
no, we just don’t want to pay some private company to travel the roads in our own state.
piperjuanita, your so smart, how would you like it if they shut down the highway from Kittery to Houlton and allowed only trucks on it along with a power line and a shale oil pipe line. and you had to used the back roads.
This road is not for general use.
You want to allow me to use it like the turnpike for a $2.00 toll then OK. But it’s not and never will be.
There is a huge difference between I-95 that goes through every major Maine city, along existing and established rail, highway, economic and demographic corridors, and this road from Canada to Canada through stunning wilderness and rural towns. Have you checked the population of Dover or Calais lately?
Really, sincerely, I don’t mean to sound snarky. But the assertion that this highway is going to bring jobs and industrial growth to rural areas (or even Bangor), other than jobs related to mining and extraction of resources in one form or another, is absurd.
This is not a highway that would be constructed to serve the communities and geographic areas it would pass through. It is a MASSIVE highway designed to get from Point A (Canada) to Point B (Canada).
And along with truck traffic, the owners will try to move anyother freight they can get financial backing for such as oil. Nontraditional crude oil products like tar sands and shale oil currently originating from the oil “boom” in central North America is where the big money is right now.
Cianbro is now in the oil infrastructure business, as we see by their successful operations in Brewer. Pipelines and pumping/heating stations are part of oil infrastructure.
The 21st Century is clearly, now, the Age of Climate change. I want to strongly disagree with you that people in Maine are somehow out of touch. There are many people like myself, who have worked in industry all my adult life, that both understand and are knowledgeable about thousands of technological solutions and options that are available to us –the human population of this planet–to live more sustainably and produce less CO2.
So, projects like this highway are exactly where we should NOT be putting our development dollars. It is just another brick in the wall of self-extermination and stealing our children’s future. It is another assurance that the parts-per-million count of atmospheric CO2 will continue its steady march higher.
This project is like a fork in the road. Do we go down the path of more-of-the-same? Or do we summon our courage, get out of the personal comfort zones that we have worked so hard to develop for ourselves and our families, and try to publicly steer our civilization and our future toward something liveable?
Unfortunately, it is our supposed trusted public servants, who take an oath to uphold the best interests of their constituents, and, as politicians, should create policy that does just that, who are mis-leading us. The science is in. The tornado count is in. The derecho and hurricane and flood and drought counts are in. The numbers are not good. The consequences are not good. (and this years’s summer severe weather season is far from over). Sooner or later everyone will experience a severe, possibly life-threatening weather event. The odds of this happening are increasing all the time.
Again, this proposed highway is like a fork in the road for our very civilization. Do you, or does anyone you know, really need a faster way to get to Montreal from Calais or Dover? Do you really think it’s worth it?
Well, there he BLOWS!!! Chicken Little says the sky is falling…..
almost as bad as you saying the road will benifit the public
Unfortunately for you, he’s right. There will be a few jobs associated with this road – plowing, general maintenance, a couple of gas stations, etc. There will not be any new population centers springing up along the corridor. This type of project only facilitates and exacerbates a continued dependence on hydrocarbon combustion as our primary energy source. The atmosphere has been dramatically altered over the last 100 years due directly to this dependence, and we are only beginning to see the results. The global climate does not change easily, but when it does, it changes suddenly and dramatically. Stay tuned, the next decades are going to be terrifying.
Didn’t the writer of this intend to say “private” land in the first paragraph, or am I missing something?
Don’t trust this. It is a delay tactic to prevent a citizens veto.
Doug Thomas is a political hack who will say and do anything to get reelected. Don’t fall for this pandering. He knows he is in trouble. The minute the election is over he’ll be back in Vigue’s pocket.
Right that is why he has been elected by his Ultra-Conservative/Tea Party district every single time by large margins each time. He is very popular with those folks in that rural district. If he was in trouble the Maine Democrat Party would have spent money to try to unseat him. They didn’t because they know they have zero chance of winning. That is why this party couldn’t even field enough candidates for the legislature. The Democrats have already lost 11 seats (including Bill Diamond’s seat) because they couldn’t find a candidate for those districts. Now you think Thomas’ seat is in trouble sure it is lol keep drinking the kool-aid. The Democrats are in serious trouble themselves. They have to run the table win every race from not having enough candidates and they have to have Independents win their races and caucus with Dems which aren’t likely because a couple of Independents (Southern Maine districts) have said to Dems they are going with Republicans if they win.
Although ya gotta admit Dougie looks pretty sharp in his new suit, kind like an undertaker.
http://www.canamconnections.com/
http://canamconnections.com/bm~doc/Final-Report.pdf (See pages 55 and 56)
This isn’t just about building a road, its a huge development plan. A project this large in scope will be a long time in the making, should be parceled-out in phases with each phase put up for bid, regardless of whether it is a public or a private project. Just good business sense.
My concern is that the broad nature of the initial plan will be stripped down (uh…I mean, value engineered) to the point that it IS just a private/corporate highway project. I can’t help but think of that stretch of freeway going through Kennebunk but if no one told you, you’d swear it was the Massachusetts border. Four lanes of traffic going seventy miles an hour with over-priced franchises on each side, vehicle exhaust and noise pollution for miles. What guarantees do the people of Maine and especially of communities this project would affect have that they won’t end up with a high-speed trucking waste-land in their backyards?
Sure, there is probably huge benefit to be gained from giving the mid-west and land-locked Canada a short-cut to the sea, but how can it be done in a way that is:
a.) unique to, and characteristic of, the state of Maine
b.) livable and beneficial to those who live near it
c.) secure and safe
d.) supportive of planned, regulated, sustainable, community-oriented growth
(as opposed to a quick-buck, franchise-and-billboard free-for-all)
e.) makes sense for Maine’s most valuable resource: the natural environment.
These issues do not seem to have been addressed well or publicly and until they are,
good luck getting people on board.
Here’s a short cut to the sea. The St. Lawrence River!
This highway is not a toll road for the general public to use. if it was they would have 100 exits on it and toll booths.
So you not only are an accounting guy an investment consultant you are also the engineer and the demographer?
Safeguards are already in place. Eminent Domain is can only be used to acquire land and rights for public use. I believe the Legislature underscored this in the wake of Kelo v. New London. If the EW highway is a private road, unless the legislature delagates the power of eminent domain to Cianbro, then Cianbro has to buy the land the same way any other developer would, through negotiation.
While there is plenty not to like about eminent domain, without it Senator Thomas would be coming to Augusta on his hoss!
Guess what. The road will be determined to be a public use. There will be one or two access points in-state, and no tolls for residents (who won’t use it since it only will go from Canada to Canada, but that’s beside the point).
Mr. Thomas has realized he is committing political suicide by backing this project.
Sorry Doug, as you obviously have detected, NO ONE wants an Interstate highway (2 large 2-lane highways) running through their peaceful southern Piscatiquis/northwestern Penobscot County neighborhood.
I’m going to work against your re-election to make sure you are not around to introduce ANY legislation in the next session. And I am not alone against you. People in your district are angry!
You are an enemy of the hardworking people of your district and central Maine who have worked their whole lives (and generations before) to create and maintain homes and families in a beautiful yet often economically challenging area.
This road will bring no jobs of any significance to Maine. (During the proposed 3-year construction period, those temporary jobs will go to people from a wide geographic area, not just from Maine. This proposed highway is 220 miles long!!! That is the same as Interstate 95 starting at Portsmouth/Kittery and going somewhere between the Howland and Lincoln exits!!!
It’s a Canadian highway coming from Canada and going to Canada which will only make it easier to mine and extract more of Maine’s natural resources for use in other industrial centers far away from Maine. And cutting the shipping time of container traffic between East Asia and Maine, New England, the Maritimes and central Canada will only worsen the existing impact of overseas industry on our industry here at home.
Mr. Vigue has publicly declared it is his objective to make it easier and more efficient for Northeast and Canadian businesses to recieve their shipments of shipping containers originating in East Asia. IT WILL ADD NOTHING POSITIVE, IT WILL JUST CONTINUE THE INDUSTRIAL DECLINE THAT HAS BECOME NORMAL FOR MAINE.
Men like Peter Vigue and Doug Thomas are lying when they are telling us this highway will bring significant local ecomomic benefits. They are very careful not to actually promise these benefits, just as they are very careful not to promise, in any kind of binding way, that this proposed “highway” will not also contain other uses such as oil or gas pipelines.
And if Senator Thomas were even the slightest bit genuine about reassuring folks that this proposed corridor were not a threat to them, he would be proposing legislation that removes the secrecy and requires disclosure of the full scope and intent of the project (possible, proposed and otherwise). If he truly cared he would bring legislation that brought this project out of the corporate darkness into the public policy, democratic light of day. But I won’t be holding my breath for even a hint of any of that.
If business leaders and legislators are honest and sincere about economic development in the greater Dexter-Dover area they would work to bring responsibly-allocated grants and low-cost loans to help small and very small existing businesses to add employees. How about if an amount equal to the 55 Million dollars spent on “renovating” the Bangor Federal Building were made available for economic development to smaller businesses that really don’t have other investment capital available.
THAT’S WHAT WE NEED HERE–NOT PAVED, NOISY, OIL-STAINED PARADISE!
Run Doug Thomas Out of Town On a Rail!
Lets Run that Rubber Stamp Wallace from Dexter out along with him!
According to many I have spoken with, Rep. Doug Thomas is the biggest looney tune that’s ever been in the Maine Legislature. Several times, I have seen him get so out of hand when he spoke that the Committee Chairmen shut him off. I even witnessed him nearly getting arrested by a retired State trooper who was a legislator. I truly think he has mental issues. At times his brain goes East and at times it goes West.
Eminent domain is a rarely used commodity. But’s it’s a legal measure that should remain the law.
There is nothing Maine can do about the eminent domain issue, The supreme court ruled on that about 10 years ago. it remains in effect forever.
It is a magic trick to make everyone look at whats in the left hand while the right hand is going through your pocket.
Simple terms he is distracting people from forming a group to prevent private highways.
Hey lookie here!!!! go this way. when knowing full well Maine can’t stop the eminent domain law.
Exactly.
Why?
Mike, if you read all of the US Supreme cases on the “taking” of people’s property, you will see that in all of the cases where the Court ruled against the person or business, that it made common sense. Example: For some little obstinate old lady who lives in a shack to be able to prevent a needed major bridge or a major highway from being built, after being offered twice what her property is worth, is the kind of cases that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on. The “taking” MUST be in the public interest in a “big” way. I am certain that the Court would not allow the taking of land for the proposed East-West by “eminent domain.” This proposal is nothing but a folly for a few people to get richer than they already are. I have a friend whose brother lost his eminent domain case recently when they built the new Hancock Bridge. The brother was paid twice what his restaurant was worth.
Kelo wasn’t just the restaurant. Look into the total number, AND TYPE’S, of business’s and homes that were involved. Kelo was the restaurant owner in a small waterfront community. New London’s Town Council figured that if they got the restaurant owner to accept a buyout that the rest of the property owner’s would go along in abject futility of ‘fighting City Hall’ for a so-called Town Community Business Improvement Project that was supposed to provide jobs and tax money. Kelo told the Town Council to go take a leap. New London’s Attorney, the current Connecticut governor Dan Molloy, went after Kelo under the eminent domain prvision. What we all got was the decision, that was made by a VERY early Right-wing SCOTUS, that is now sure to be both re-opened and reviewed, more so with Roberts now showing a sense of independence. This Highway Act land grab is almost a wet dream as far as the SCOTUS’s looking for a case to openly repeal, permanently, the Kelo decision.
Oh, and as a matter of minor import, New London lost their keester in the business development deal. That land was bulldozed and is still sitting vacant. And thanks to Molloy, Connecticut now has THE highest Business Insurance Tax Rate in the entire Country and Companies are running from Connecticut like a scalded dog. Maine should be smart and take the lesson to heart before we step into a beartrap we all don’t need to find out about.
Once again it is impossibile for this road to pay for it’s self.
Why do you think Peter passed a law that prevented the disclouser of the investor until it is approved. Because it is the Canadian government.
Peter is a front man for this project. cainbro is getting a 2 billion dollar contract out of this to build the road.
If this project was legit they wouldn’t need the secerts.
I fought a big project once and one of the first things they did was infiltrate our group with people who we skilled at taking our group over, hence we lost. we were steered in the wrong direction. Because putting the eminent domain issue out in front when it is not the part we should be looking at.
Forget the eminent domain issue, we should be going after preventing private highways. They are throwing you a dirty bone to chew on when they full well know the supreme court ruled eminent domain is legal.
More dirty tricks
Repeal the Private Public Highway Statute!
That will fixem!
Doesn’t matter repeal every law for that matter. LePage and Maine DOT have special executive powers by Maine Law . Thanks to the Democrat Legislature giving Gov’s and Maine DOT the right to improve Maine’s Economy through transportation. All they have to do is declare an economic need for this road and it doesn’t matter what the Legislature or anyone thinks. The Environmental Groups, Jonathan Carter, Maine Dem. Legislators all sued and went to court several times under King and Baldacci (mostly under King). They lost every single time. Nothing anybody can do once LePage and DOT gives the go to the proposal. They declare the economic need for this it’s over. Liberals can scream, whine, find fault they are powerless. That is why this study is continuing. This road will be built but I think folks are going to be surprised where it ends up. I think it will end a little more south into Central Maine through Skowhegan, Madison, Farmington area’s. Because these area’s will be seeing huge economic growth in the future. Most of these area’s along with Kennebec County cities and towns councils all voted for a huge gas pipeline to be built to help with job growth as well. I expect this is where the road goes more along the Rt. 2 route that Vigue , Angus King and Maine Dot proposed back in the late 90’s. Not the current proposed route. You may have a conncector road that helps these area’s up in the current proposal but the route I expect ends up being different.
it doesn’t matter if they repeal the Public Private Parternship law. This project won’t be one…in order for it to become one under the PPP law it would have to be voted and passed by a majority in the legislature. Why on earth would Cianbro use the PPP law when they don’t need to????
peoples veto
If LePage and Maine DOT declare an Economic Need for this road under special constitutional powers they. Their is nothing you can do it’s the law under the Maine Constitution. As I stated the Liberals and the Environmentalists already went to court on this several times (State Supreme Court and Federal Courts) they sued King and Baldacci both and lost every time. The courts ruled the Governors and MAINE DOT has the right to do this for the good of the state and it’s economy. The Liberals, Enviros and RINO’s are powerless because they know this road is coming and nothing they can do about it. It’s pretty funny the Liberals claim and talk about our infrastructure and only fixed about a couple of bridges the last several years. They sure are for good on infrastructure they bankrutped Maine DOT highway fund through budget gimmicks from King , Baldacci . They took all that Borrowing money as well using that and the DOT money to expand Welfare to a majority of the Maine Population. I don’t think the left should be experts on how to create jobs and fixing infrastructure . Working and Taxpaying Mainers have seen the Democrats record of the past 40 years on these issues it’s a joke , really pathetic.
You just can’t “declare” a public need!
It needs to be substantiated!
With out a “real reason” the court would throw it out!
Peter vigue Made the Comment that we NOW have Legislation in effect for this higway!
He has every Intention to use this!
Thats why it was written!
How do we know if the road won’t pay for itself. They said the same things about the Maine Turnpike in Southern Maine. That interstate is a huge cash cow for the MTA which the tolls were supposed to be eliminated back in the late 60’s when the road paid for itself. This road will pay for itself as well. The left has lied on every issue about this road from exits, interchanges, rest areas. The fact is the left is worried about their grip on us in the 2nd District who support this road. They have been holding us down for years with their job destroying , drive all of us out agenda. Well we have had enough we aren’t taking it anymore. It’s time these leftists and enviros start explaining themselves because they are living off of our tax dollars. I don’t remember voting pn any ballot for the past 35 years to give these folks any of my money. I don’t remember voting for a park either. It’s time to move this area foward because supporting all of these folks on welfare is unaffordable they can sit home and live on Welfare forever.
the people of maine travel the interstate. the truck road is not for YOU to drive on.
Right. I think you will find this will not be a truck road as you put it. I said in a different post I think this end’s up being a different proposal than what is being proposed now. Folks on the left have been wrong on everything from exits we had folks on here saying only 2 exits . FACT the current proposal calls for at least 7. They said no fueling stations, rest areas etc. which they are wrong on that as well. Now you folks are saying it’s a truck road. I believe as I stated below your all going to be surprised when it’s done. I think it ends up being a Central Maine highway near RT. 2. Because as I stated the Central Maine Natural Gas Pipeline proposal was voted in by towns in Somerset and Kennebec County as part of an economic growth proposal. Does anyone honestly believe this area isn’t going to get a piece of the action as well. The state has already come out and said Skowhegan-Madison-Farmington area’s , as well as the Fairfield/Waterville region is primed for huge growth very soon. No the Liberals have lied on everything for nearly 50 years and they won’t be correct on this either.
This supposed highway will mess up a lot of Maine’s wilderness. An area that is rich with Animal life and conservation initiatives. I have a camp in the Michias lakes region and this
project will be running rate by my little piece of heaven.
The only person who will profit from it will be Cianbro’s President. Call your Representatives and Senators. Tell them this East West Highway is Bad for Maine.
” NOW ” He has concerns!
Doug Thomas is Down Right Dangerous!
Vote this clown out the first chance that you get!
he is throwing you off track/balance
Vigue doesn’t even know where his own route is going. He said it won’t encroach on public lands protected by conservation measures. This route takes it right through the middle of a 7.8 million dollar Machias River conservation project. All they can see is $$$ signs.
Vigue is just a representitive/or talking head for for the Canadian Government.. Cianbro isn’t investing in this project, they might want to build it, but they aren’t investing in a projet without a return on investment.
Vigue is a Maine business figure who has in the past been favored by the people, the people wanted him to run for governor once. Canada choose him because they thought nobody would question him.
For those in favor of the project, you should invest your lifes saving in it, then try to retire on your returns. BIG FAT ZERO
You don’t knowwhat you are talking about. Childish drivel.
Give me the numbers cheescake1955. 2 billion just to build it. it would take 1000 trucks a day 47 years at $120 toll per truck to come up with 2 billion. Now interest on investment should be at least 4/5% for that type of money which would make it impossible to break even. throw in upkeep of 2 million a year. Where is your retun on investment cheesecake1955? cianbro isn’t investing in this project because there is no profit in it. He/Peter is a just a talking head for some country.
So I guess all the money spent over the years on the Maine Turnpike is a waste of money huh? The MTA is an independent business also, overseen by the state. So you think only trucks will make use of this tool? Do you think a Canadian family from Montreal, on vacation to New Brunswick, might use it also? I’m betting any toll up to $120 would be cheaper than paying the gas to travel around the top of Maine, and far less overbearing than traveling 50-35-45-25-55-50-35-55-25MPH.
You don’t have the numbers either yet you put together a childish amateurish ROI.
This from a poster who doesn’t know the difference between limited access and limited use.
It almost gets me into uncontrolable laughing when I think of our Great Governor LeRage, as, a totally impartial Gov, looking at his people with smiling eyes, wishing all of them the best, The Great Gov working tirelessly for all, impartial at his approach………then……I remember people on here commenting oh LeFarts Canadian connection, and billions involved in the East West truck trail, Hmmmm, makes one wonder what have we, we the people, what have we for a Great Gov??
There are something like 1/ 3 of Mainers on welfare. We are paying them already. The construction will give them jobs,instead of paying them to sit home, we pay them to do a job.
Yeah, great idea, should not be much more than a 200 mile a day commute for most.
the people on welfare are unemployable. next 2 years of $10 an hour jobs worth having canada own a 2000 foot path through the state of Maine for life I think not.
The road will not be used by the public, so it is useless to me and you.
But if you want to try and hire someone on welfare be my guest.
So we should continue to do nothing to keep these folks on the dole. Have you seen what this is doing to our state , the budget and the people. The people are getting fed up with the lack of jobs, that every proposal is defeated before it gets off the ground . The folks are tired of the huge tax hikes to pay for these deadbeats. I think it is time to move Maine foward because none of these Liberals have any intention of doing so. Any proposal that is always fought you know is a good proposal because it puts the fear into those who are living lavishly on taxpayer handouts.
please define welfare. Do you include social security school lunch medicare tuition and property tax relief?
–Rep. Clark, the Democrat running for Thomas’ Senate seat, said he signed on as a co-sponsor of the study legislation because it seemed like a good economic development idea at the time. He blames Thomas for not first lining up the support of locals leaders and voters.
“We thought he had done his homework and come to find out he didn’t,” Clark said.
Clark said he also is constantly hearing about the highway as he campaigns. “In Piscataquis County, this is the big issue.”–
This very important part of the story was left out of the BDN, and made it in the PPH. Thought you folks of Northern Maine might want to see that Mr. Clark trained under our current President. It’s someone else’s fault.
Herbie Clark goes whichever way the wind blows.
You want it?
Herbie’s got it !
You don’t want it?
Herbie’s against it !
lepage if you want be famous for one thing boot this out
comment deleted
Just wondering if the law Doug Thomas is trying to pass would stop Eminent domain by the federal gov. on the 3.2 million acre park that Quimby / Restore wants ?
My understanding is that it is a 70,000 acre gift. Do you always exaggerate ?
I guess you are very misinformed on Quimby/Restore’s plan !
As
a native of Maine I’ve grew up hearing about the idea of an east to
west highway. I always believed my relatives when they told me it would
never happen. But while in high school I watched as powerlines and
pipelines where put in, forever changing the landscape. And now with the
new proposal of an east to west highway I have many questions that I
would like to have answered and would like others opinions. Why not use
the already existing railroads to ship Canada’s products? Why not use
the newly repaired route 9? How many jobs would we be creating from this
highway besides the labor to install the road? Are the jobs working at
toll booths and Mobiles placed along this highway? I will not go into my
thoughts on this road being it’s own entity and the problems it could
potentially cause because this has already been covered. I also will not
talk about the environmental impacts. My decision to write came with
the comment in this article about outmigration of Mainers. As a
Student at the University of Maine and nearing graduation, this highway
does not appeal to me and makes my decision to leave Maine after
graduation more probable. The only reason I consider staying in Maine is
the wildlife and the nature. I have lived enough of life to know that
money is not everything and If i have to sacrifice five dollars an hour
and limited employment to stay here I will because of the enjoyment I
get from this states natural beauty. I believe the most this state will
get is tax dollars from Vigue’s income off the highway.
Lots of things go get Legislature approval but most of them never get off the ground.
Most of the people here who want the road would take their parents money and throw them in a home out of State. instant money is not worth a soul.
We need this. If people want to bring work to this state we need to have more than one major route in and out of this state.
It is not for the use of people in the state. I can poke holes in any benifit you put forth
Public Loses
After reading the article Aug 7 Bangor Daily News on the giving of the
Campground Road [Wilson Stream Road]in Elliotsville to Roxanne Quimby I
called state senator, Doug Thomas to discuse the possiblies of a peoples
petition to put this matter to public vote if the commissioners approved
this giveaway and the right number of signatures are gathered from the
citizens of Piscataquis County. He told me it could’t be done as their was
nothing in the Piscataquis County charter that allowed for this action by
the citizens on any discession these 3 commissioners make and he was quite
disappointed as it can be done at the local, state and other counties in
this state and has been many times as we all know.
In Piscataquis County the commissioners answer to no one other then who
they want to and in this case it may be the money crowd. The citizens of
Piscataquis County must find a way to take this absalute power from the 3
county commissioners. Contact your local state officials and find out how
this can be done.
It may be to late to save the Campground Road for the people of
Elliotsville, who have managed it quite well for a century and proved that
it was owned by the people and not Roxanne Quimby just months ago.
It would be in the best interests of all involved if the commissioners
took about 500 feet from the stream back acrossed the road so a trail
could be built for those who wanted to hike to the falls.
The Bangor Daily reported the next commissioners meeting is Aug. 28 for
the final vote when meeting is really on the 21. [good way to keep people
away]
It would seem that the gov.and supporters of the east /west highway are finally looking ahead and seeing that the voters just might be against this road.I wonder if the state has already put up the taxpayers $300000 for another study and who got it.
Public Loses
After reading the article Aug 7 Bangor Daily News on the giving of the
Campground Road [Wilson Stream Road]in Elliotsville to Roxanne Quimby I
called state senator, Doug Thomas to discuse the possiblies of a peoples
petition to put this matter to public vote if the commissioners approved
this giveaway and the right number of signatures are gathered from the
citizens of Piscataquis County. He told me it could’t be done as their was
nothing in the Piscataquis County charter that allowed for this action by
the citizens on any discession these 3 commissioners make and he was quite
disappointed as it can be done at the local, state and other counties in
this state and has been many times as we all know.
In Piscataquis County the commissioners answer to no one other then who
they want to and in this case it may be the money crowd. The citizens of
Piscataquis County must find a way to take this absalute power from the 3
county commissioners. Contact your local state officials and find out how
this can be done.
It may be to late to save the Campground Road for the people of
Elliotsville, who have managed it quite well for a century and proved that
it was owned by the people and not Roxanne Quimby just months ago.
It would be in the best interests of all involved if the commissioners
took about 500 feet from the stream back acrossed the road so a trail
could be built for those who wanted to hike to the falls.
The Bangor Daily reported the next commissioners meeting is Aug. 28 for
the final vote when meeting is really on the 21. [good way to keep people
away]
Here is what this is! Put on you Sherlock Holmes Hat, folks and operate with good old fashion Deductive Reasoning! Because Vigue claims that this “can” be done without eminent domain he must already have some land owners lined up as he has already put up a tentative proposed route. Because he claims that the exact route will be determined later shows that he does not it in completion! Eminent Domain “may” be required to complete the route. The difference will be weather he can purchase the remainder or not. Because the State and Federal Government have the right of eminent domain to build this ENTIRE road as a public rd (without Vigue’s Private Landowners) those Private landowners and Vigue face the same threat of eminent domain as those in the unknown zone that may require the Eminent Domain. The State and Federal Government could quite possibily decide to do this on its own!
In enacting a law to eliminate the use of eminent domain in the building of this road it protects Vigue and his Investors from the threat of the State from just taking it and paying them the value of the land as woodlands when the Investors see the value of this land as a toll rte for Canada!
Because of the common denominator of the threat of eminent domain , Doug Thomas may be Protecting the Interests of the Proponents and Investors of this Private Highway under the guise of protecting those who are against it!
Of course the state will use eminent domain…duh. As if every single land owner is going to want a highway going through their back yard. The state will ‘take’ the people’s land (yes fair market value) and then sell the land to the private entity building the highway and THAT is how the east/west highway will be built (if it indeed comes to fruition.)
All this hubbub about the feasibility study is ironic because the feasibility study is only a smokescreen. Cianbro will move ahead with the project if permitted regardless of what the feasibility study concludes, because this project is NOT about a HIGHWAY. Cianbro’s long-term aim is obtain the land for a highway, so that they can then construct the real revenue-generator along their right-of-way — an OIL PIPELINE THAT WILL PROVIDE AN ATLANTIC COAST TERMINAL FOR TAR SANDS CRUDE. Once Cianbro controls the right-of-way for the highway, they can build anything they like along it. Look at the map — http://www.capp.ca/getdoc.aspx?DocID=209479 . Cianbro sees a highway paved with gold, but the gold won’t come from the feasibility study’s meager estimates of vehicle traffic. It will come from tar sands oil revenue.
Suddenly – concern for people’s property rights? The pushers of this “Help Your Canadian Neighbors” project are softening up?
Careful how you mention “Eminent Domain,” boys. Tone it down a bit and let’s push it through with no Eminent Domain” just “Right of Way.”
Since Le Page and Vigue are pushing this disruptive and insane plan with government and big pockets backing them, people owning land which is threatened by this plan, need an attorney – perhaps two.
One very clear point about the whole deal is that no one has taken a closer look at what the pushers claim they would use instead of Eminent Domain.
Right of Way is the right to travel unhindered to access a route, regardless of land ownership. LePage and Vigue have never explained it.
Easements can easily be obtained by a government or other mechanisms for transportation purposes. Besides a trail, a driveway, an easement could be obtained upon which to build a highway or railway. An attorney could explain it much better. That is if you can find one willing to take on the State.
Neither party, or, any spokesperson for the parties involved, have ever thought of letting the people know, what, and who, they are dealing with.
Talk of such a highway is especially nauseating, considering how the Canadians treated our lobster fishermen, recently. Even worse, when you consider they’d be shipping canned Maine lobster into Quebec and Montreal over this 220-mile limited access highway.
It is nothing more than a Canadian By-Pass.
.
We should just call things what they are.
This should be called the Canadian Tranportation Profit Margin Improvement Turnpike.
Just call a Spade a Spade.
.