AUGUSTA: Representative Sharon Libby Jones announces an upcoming special work session and public meeting for anyone interested in the overall rail system in Maine, and particularly the East-West Rail Corridor. The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation will be meeting as follows:

Date: Tuesday October 9, 2001

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: State House Room 126 (Transportation Committee Room)

The proposed agenda is as follows:

1. Welcome and introductions
2. History of study bill
3. Status report on Bangor and Aroostook Railroad
4. Freight rail operations
a) History & inventory
b) What is the State's role
5. Local & regional economic impacts - Representative Sharon Libby Jones. Invited: Dana Burleigh (Great Northern); Roland Miller (Auburn); Joe Koch (Dragon); Kathy Dalrymple (IP)
6. Possible State responses
a) Transportation strategies - MDOT
b) Economic development strategies - Rep. Jones
7. Committee discussion

The public is invited and is welcome to attend.

Representative Sharon Libby Jones serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs. She represents House District 111 - Abbot, Beaver Cove, Bowerbank, Brownville, Greenville, Guilford, Monson, Sebec, Shirley, Wellington, Willimantic, and Kingsbury Plantation, plus unorganized territories including Barnard, Lily Bay, Harfords Point, Williamsburg, Blanchard and Elliottsville Townships.