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LD 1612

Resolve, Directing The Department Of Transportation To Solicit Proposals For The Utilization Of Unused State-Owned Railroad Lines

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David Boyer and 8 co-sponsors

LD 1612 - Resolve, Directing The Department Of Transportation To Solicit Proposals For The Utilization Of Unused State-Owned Railroad Lines OverviewBill Number: LD 1612 Title: Res

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#preservation #railroads #unusedlines
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Bill Summary · LD 1612

LD 1612 - Resolve, Directing The Department Of Transportation To Solicit Proposals For The Utilization Of Unused State-Owned Railroad Lines

Overview

Bill Number: LD 1612
Title: Resolve, Directing The Department Of Transportation To Solicit Proposals For The Utilization Of Unused State-Owned Railroad Lines
Status: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
Introduced: April 11, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to address the issue of unused state-owned railroad lines by directing the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) to solicit proposals from interested parties for the potential utilization of these dormant rail assets. The primary goal is to find productive uses for these underutilized transportation corridors, whether through reactivation of rail service, conversion to recreational trails, or other innovative applications that could benefit the public.

Key Provisions

  • Requires MaineDOT to identify all state-owned railroad lines that are currently unused or underutilized
  • Directs MaineDOT to issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking ideas and plans from private companies, nonprofit organizations, or other interested parties for the repurposing of these unused rail corridors
  • Specifies that proposals could include restoring active rail service, converting lines to recreational trails, or other creative uses that align with state transportation and economic development goals
  • Mandates that MaineDOT evaluate the submitted proposals based on criteria such as potential economic impact, community benefits, environmental sustainability, and financial feasibility
  • Authorizes MaineDOT to enter into agreements or lease arrangements with selected proposal recipients to facilitate the implementation of approved projects

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact MaineDOT, as the agency responsible for managing the state's railroad assets and overseeing the RFP process. It would also affect private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community groups that may submit proposals to utilize the unused rail corridors.

Successful proposals could lead to the reactivation of rail service, the creation of new recreational trails, or other innovative uses that could provide economic, transportation, and quality-of-life benefits to local communities and the state as a whole.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill was introduced in the Maine Legislature on April 11, 2025, but it was ultimately placed in the Legislative Files, indicating that it did not advance further in the legislative process and is considered "dead" for the current session.

If the bill had been enacted, MaineDOT would have been required to initiate the RFP process and evaluate the submitted proposals within a specified timeframe, likely within 6-12 months of the bill's effective date. The

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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