MDOT Decision

John Lambert, Council Chair
Town of Cumberland
PO Box 128
Cumberland, ME 04021

July 16, 1998

Dear John,

The Chebeague Island ferry is considered by the Maine Department of Transportation to be an essential public service. In the absence of terms and conditions agreed to by the Towns of Cumberland and Yarmouth which allow for the continuation of this service, the Department is prepared to use its legal authority and financing to secure the continued operation of the ferry. In balancing the competing interests of the two communities, the Department will act to preserve the status quo. The status quo means a 165 car parking area on the so-called Blanchard Lot, access to the Lot, use of the Yarmouth wharf for year round ferry operations, continuation of barging at the present location, and a remote parking facility in Cumberland.

I wish to emphasize that an arrangement that is better than simply preserving the status quo seems attainable. However, any alternatives to the status quo will only be acted upon by the MDOT with the mutual consent of Yarmouth and Cumberland. Furthermore, any alternative to the status quo must continue to involve parking at the Blanchard Lot and operations across the Yarmouth wharf. The MDOT is prepared to offer technical support and financial assistance within our means to shape an alternative.

I recognize that this issue has a long history with deeply held feelings in both communities. I would encourage you to accept my challenge that we collectively strive to achieve a result that is better than the status quo in both physical and operational terms but that also is more sensitive to individual and community values.

Sincerely,

/s/John G. Melrose
Commissioner

cc: David Peterson

For more information, call CTC at 207-846-3700 or send e-mail to: ctc@nlis.net.

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