Leverage transportation assets to assist in regional economic recovery in and around Bucksport. The December 2014 closure of the Verso Mill has created an immediate loss of approximately 500 jobs, with economic impacts extending into several counties. Bucksport stands at the junction between rail, ocean shipping, fuel pipelines, and two arterial highways. Transportation will likely play a critical role in Bucksport’s economic future. Integrate transportation planning with industrial redevelopment and initiatives. Wherever feasible, integrate brownfields site assessments and redevelopment opportunities with an analysis of transportation system deficiencies in the same area. Joint projects can leverage public-private investment and result in significant cost savings. Implement the recommendations Improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. from Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans, Safe Routes to Schools Plans, and School Travel Plans, especially in service centers and downtown villages. Continue to improve access to the Down East Sunrise Trail through development of appropriate trailheads, vehicle parking areas, and signage. Support municipal investment and district designations that reinforce such as multi-modal passenger regional transportation initiatives transportation hubs, intermodal transloading areas, commercial and industrial zones, and access management to preserve corridor efficiency and promote transit-oriented development. Address regional needs for improved air transportation. Development of a regional Level 1 airport will address identified transportation, economic development and public health deficiencies in Washington County. Continue to attract additional air freight and passenger services to Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport to augment existing summer resident and tourism markets and sustain operations during the off season. Address deferred highway maintenance. Regional stakeholders strongly support MaineDOT’s new policy for maintaining and preserving the existing state highway system, using its limited funding to systematically address known deficiencies in a prioritized manner. Over the long run, timely highway maintenance leads to cost savings, since it prevents the road pavement from deteriorating so badly that it requires more extensive rehabilitation or reconstruction. Proper road maintenance also contributes to regional economic development goals, enabling people and goods to reach their destinations more quickly and safely. 5.2 Long-Term Recommendations Create measures to assure that future road improvements reflect the needs of the major groups of users (truckers, commuters and tourists). The needs of these three groups must be addressed in a manner that preserves and protect the unique character of the corridor.
Leverage transportation assets to assist in regional economic recovery in and around Bucksport. The December 2014 closure of the Verso Mill has created an immediate loss of approximately 500 jobs, with economic impacts extending into several counties. Bucksport stands at the junction between rail, ocean shipping, fuel pipelines, and two arterial highways. Transportation will likely play a critical role in Bucksport’s economic future. Integrate transportation planning with industrial redevelopment and initiatives. Wherever feasible, integrate brownfields site assessments and redevelopment opportunities with an analysis of transportation system deficiencies in the same area. Joint projects can leverage public-private investment and result in significant cost savings. Improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Implement the recommendations from Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans, Safe Routes to Schools Plans, and School Travel Plans, especially in service centers and downtown villages. Continue to improve access to the Down East Sunrise Trail through development of appropriate trailheads, vehicle parking areas, and signage. Support municipal investment and district designations that reinforce regional transportation initiatives such as multi-modal passenger transportation hubs, intermodal transloading areas, commercial and industrial zones, and access management to preserve corridor efficiency and promote transit-oriented development. Address regional needs for improved air transportation. Development of a regional Level 1 airport will address identified transportation, economic development and public health deficiencies in Washington County. Continue to attract additional air freight and passenger services to Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport to augment existing summer resident and tourism markets and sustain operations during the off season. Address deferred highway maintenance. Regional stakeholders strongly support MaineDOT’s new policy for maintaining and preserving the existing state highway system, using its limited funding to systematically address known deficiencies in a prioritized manner. Over the long run, timely highway maintenance leads to cost savings, since it prevents the road pavement from deteriorating so badly that it requires more extensive rehabilitation or reconstruction. Proper road maintenance also contributes to regional economic development goals, enabling people and goods to reach their destinations more quickly and safely. 5.2 Long-Term Recommendations Create measures to assure that future road improvements reflect the needs of the major groups of users (truckers, commuters and tourists). The needs of these three groups must be addressed in a manner that preserves and protect the unique character of the corridor.
DowneastCoastalCMP123014.docx