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LD 243

Resolve, To Name A Railroad Crossing In Wiscasset The James Weldon Johnson Crossing

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rachel Talbot Ross

Designates a Wiscasset railroad crossing as the James Weldon Johnson Crossing; MDOT to install signage, with minor costs covered by the Highway Fund.

Signed by Governor
#crossings #railroads #wiscasset #jamesweldonjohnson
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Bill Summary · LD 243

Summary of LD 243 — Resolve to Name a Railroad Crossing in Wiscasset the James Weldon Johnson Crossing

Overview

LD 243 is a resolve that authorizes naming a railroad crossing in Wiscasset, Maine, as the James Weldon Johnson Crossing. The measure progressed through the 132nd Maine Legislature and was signed by the Governor on April 14, 2025, becoming law.

Purpose and Intent

  • To designate one railroad crossing in Wiscasset as the James Weldon Johnson Crossing in honor of the American writer and civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson.
  • The designation is ceremonial, intended to recognize Johnson’s contributions and to preserve local history and memory through the naming.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: Create the official name for a railroad crossing located in Wiscasset as “James Weldon Johnson Crossing.”
  • Administration: The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) would oversee the implementation of the naming, including signage.
  • Signage: Installation or modification of signage to reflect the crossing name. The bill specifies that signage-related costs are expected to be minor and absorbable within existing resources.
  • Funding: Any incremental costs would be paid from the Highway Fund, with the fiscal notes indicating that these costs are minor and can be absorbed within current budgets.

Fiscal Impact

  • Preliminary and final fiscal notes indicate a minor cost increase to the Highway Fund due to signage and related related activities.
  • The additional costs are described as minor and capable of being absorbed within existing budgeted resources rather than requiring new appropriations.

Affected Parties

  • Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT): Responsible for implementing the signage changes and ensuring the crossing is officially named.
  • Road users and local community in Wiscasset: Beneficiaries of the ceremonial naming, which honors James Weldon Johnson.
  • General public and local historians: May view the designation as a recognition of Johnson’s legacy.

Procedural/Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025.
  • Committee: Transportation.
  • Legislative path included readings, committee work (OTP), suspension of rules, and concurrence steps.
  • Final passage: The measure was enacted in early to mid-April 2025 and signed by the Governor on April 14, 2025.
  • Official status: Signed into law; the designation is now in effect.

Notes

  • As a Resolve, the bill serves as a formal directive rather than an appropriation or broad statutory change.
  • No major changes to transportation policy or authorities were introduced beyond the ceremonial naming and necessary signage.

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

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