WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud sent a letter to Daniel R. Elliot, the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), requesting that the hearing in Maine on the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway's application to abandon 223 miles of rail line be in Aroostook County.

"I think it would be good to get these folks out of Washington and up to Aroostook County," said Michaud. "That way they can see and hear firsthand how this proposed abandonment would affect the region's economy."

The full text of Michaud's letter can be found below.

March 17, 2010

Chairman Daniel R. Elliot III
Surface Transportation Board
395 E St., SW
Washington, D.C. 20423

Dear Chairman Elliot:

I sincerely appreciate the decision by the Surface Transportation Board to hold a public hearing this spring in Maine on the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway's application to abandon 223 miles of rail line. As I pointed out in my letter requesting a hearing in Maine, it is absolutely imperative that the individuals that will be affected by the discontinuation of rail service have an opportunity to be heard by the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

As such, I write today to urge the STB to hold this hearing in Aroostook County. While the proposed abandonment would affect the entire state, the counties of Penobscot and Aroostook stand to lose the most from the loss of freight rail service. STB officials should have an opportunity to visit these communities firsthand. More importantly, we must do everything that we can to make sure that this discussion is open and accessible to the businesses, organizations, workers and families that will be most directly impacted by the proposed abandonment.

Upon announcing the hearing, you stated that this "proposed abandonment would affect many shippers and the local and regional economy and it is important that the Board hears from as many voices as possible. The best way to do that is for Washington to go to Maine instead of Maine coming to Washington." I could not agree with you more. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request.

With warmest regards,

Michael H. Michaud

Member of Congress