During a regular meeting of the Edgecomb Board of Selectmen March 7, Chairman Jack Sarmanian expressed frustration over Gov. Paul Lepages recent decision to cease funding for Gateway 1, the proposed interlocal agreement for Rt. 1 communities from Stockton Springs to Brunswick.
“I’m disappointed,” said Sarmanian. “The town still needs information from the state to determine what can be done.”
Sarmanian said he would be attending a March 10 meeting in Rockland to discuss the future of the project with other Rt. 1 communities.
“What can we do? Where can we go? These are questions that need answers,” Sarmanian said.
In other business, Selectman Jessica Chubbuck updated the town on a Freedom Of Information Request from the Edgecomb Bypass Task Force to the MDOT concerning the recently shelved Nc8 bypass route.
“I was told it would cost roughly $500 for labor and copies,” said Chubbuck.
The total price tag raised the ire of Selectman Stuart Smith who accused the MDOT of “whacking” up the cost to discourage people from asking for information.
“It’s crazy to charge $500, it really is,” said Sarmanian in agreement.
Edgecomb resident Jarryl Larsen offered to do the work herself.
“I can use a handheld scanner,” said Larsen. “There’s no need for the town to incur the cost.”
The meeting concluded with Chubbuck reminding residents of a planned Task Force meeting with DOT Commissioner Dave Bernhardt on March 22 in Augusta. Sarmanian urged support and participation from the town and said “Edgecomb will keep the pressure on”.
“We will show them we’re not standing still,” he said. “This is a well organized approach and effort.”
Selectmen had previously drafted a letter to the DOT expressing grave concern over a possible alternative to N8c, or “long bridge” bypass route, that could impact homeowners in the town. The letter was also carbon copied to all legislative concerns, said Sarmanian, in hopes of gaining support from national and local lawmakers. The Edgecomb Board of Selectmen will next meet on March 14 at 6 p.m.
