AUGUSTA — The Maine Legislature’s Transportation Committee voted 10-3 March 24 to recommend the passage of LD 500, a bill to give municipalities additional tools to invest in alternative transportation, such as passenger rail and public transit. 

The bill, “An Act to Allow the Formation of Transportation Corridor Districts,” was cosponsored by Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden, Representative Beebe-Center, of Rockland, Senator Gratwick of Penobscot, and representatives Cooper of Yarmouth, Devin of Newcastle, Kumiega of Deer Isle, Rykerson of Kittery, and Warren of Hallowell. 

The measure allows municipalities, working independently or in conjunction with one another, to form Transportation Corridor Districts, corporate entities that may pursue the development of alternative transportation projects such as passenger rail, ferries, bus routes or bicycle paths, according to a news release from the Maine Senate.

“This is common sense bill that presents a great economic and environmental opportunity in Knox County, and all of Maine,” said Sen. Miramant, in the release. “I’m thrilled the bill received the support of the committee.”

The corridor districts will have the authority to bond infrastructure, fundraise, make capital investments, purchase, own and lease real estate, and otherwise pursue the development of transportation alternatives. Multiple towns or cities, working together, could operate a Transportation Corridor District across their borders as one entity, strengthening connectivity between those communities. The bill would require voter approval for the creation of a Transportation Corridor District.

The bill earned the support of the Sierra Club, an environmental organization dedicated to protecting Maine’s water, forests and air quality for generations to come. 

LD 500 will be taken up by the full Legislature in the coming weeks.