Resolve, Directing the Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority To Conduct a Study of Possible Connector Roads in Androscoggin and Franklin Counties

Sec. 1. Study. Resolved: That the Department of Transportation, referred to in this resolve as "the department," and the Maine Turnpike Authority, referred to in this resolve as "the authority," shall conduct a study of existing highway infrastructure and future capacity needs of state routes connecting Androscoggin County and Franklin County, especially State Route 4. The department shall develop a series of recommendations to enhance, expand and preserve highway connections between State Route 4 and the Maine Turnpike and communities in Androscoggin County and Franklin County. In conducting the study, the department and the authority shall review existing proposed and potential improvements that, in the determination of the department and the authority, would significantly decrease congestion, eliminate hazards and implement best traffic management practices in the area and improve access to communities in Androscoggin County and Franklin County. The study must be designed and conducted in a manner that allows the results to be used during future state and federal permitting of any proposal that may proceed to construction, and any recommendations must conform with state transportation policy in accordance with the Sensible Transportation Policy Act and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In evaluating and prioritizing strategies for the study, the department and the authority shall consider, at a minimum, the following:

1. The feasibility of expanding the existing highway infrastructure to accommodate existing and future traffic flow, to improve the safety of all travelers and pedestrians who use the road and to meet the economic demands of the region;

2. The role of transit and other alternative modes of transportation in managing the transportation demands in the region;

3. The feasibility and effectiveness of proposed transportation infrastructure strategies to meet future traffic and economic needs, including:

4. Coordinating with area communities and regional planning agencies to evaluate land use impacts of all strategies studied and developing recommendations for communities for land use controls to protect their community character, economic vitality and future investments in transportation; and

5. Any other factors determined relevant by the department and the authority; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the department and the authority shall report the results of the study to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation no later than January 15, 2014. Upon its receipt and review of the report, the committee may submit a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority to conduct a study of possible connector roads in Androscoggin County and Franklin County.