AUBURN — A plan for Twin Cities Amtrak train service could get a boost from Western Maine tourism, according to transportation planners.
On Monday, representatives from the Maine Department of Transportation and the Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center will present two reviews of plans for a passenger rail between Portland and Montreal by way of Auburn and Bethel.
“Bethel is a very desired tourist destination — not just for day trips but for weeklong visits and weekends,” said Don Craig, director the Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center. “I think that can help generate passengers through Auburn. Once you get train service to Western Maine, it makes sense to include Auburn.
The first public information session is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Gibson Room of the Bethel Inn Resort, 21 Broad St., Bethel.
The second session is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments offices, 125 Manley Road in Auburn.
The state is studying alternatives for passenger rail service to Western Maine.
“Expect to hear discussion about how often the trains would run, how many trips are feasible each day and what times they’d run,” Craig said.
The state is hoping to release the first draft of the study early in 2011.
The study is looking at three options for passenger service through L-A: rail service between Portland and L-A; rail service between L-A and Montreal, through Bethel; and bus service between Portland and L-A.
If costs and opportunities make sense, the next steps would include environmental studies, getting state and local permits and designing the railway. Proponents would also apply for state and federal grants to pay for the designs and construction.
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