High-Speed Trains Coming to Maine??? | in the clear episode 184

President Biden:"  We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position Amtrak — and rail in general — to play a central role in our transportation and economic future. To make the investments that can help get America back on track. That’s exactly what the American Jobs Plan will do." Advocates for expansion of passenger train service in Maine believe this is their time.  The potential of the railroads owned by the taxpayers of the State of  Maine hold the promise of an advanced passenger train system that will deal with Climate Change, boost economic equity and move Maine into a more prosperous and sustainable future. There is a good reason the Legislature is addressing so many good rail bills this year.  Preparing for expansion of passenger trains, every legislature since the 1980s has taken steps to accomplish the goal.  This year the 130th Maine State Legislature can take this over the top. There is a detailed service plan with recommendations for passenger train service to Lewiston.  LD 991 An Act…., will complete that plan and evaluate the economic impacts in jobs and housing in the communities selected for train stations. (since they did not etc.)The Amtrak Downeaster passenger operating along the coast to Brunswick is where the state owns 55 of 100 miles to Augusta, Waterville, and Bangor.  LD 227  Will provide state and local decision-makers with information on this valuable transportation corridor and the likelihood it too can be restored for passenger trains. State ownership of railroads in the west, 55 miles Portland to Nh, in the East with the 40 miles from Bangor to Acadia and 88 miles into Eastport are included in other important rail bills. The opportunity to match federal funding has never been closer.  There is no time to waste.  Neither Washington nor the Climate are going to wait.  Maine has done its homework, it owns the railroads.  Maine knows how to run a successful passenger train service.  It is time for rail in Maine.