Resolve, Directing the Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority To Conduct a Study of Possible Western Connector Roads to Municipal Centers in Cumberland and York Counties

Sec. 1. Study of existing infrastructure and future capacity needs west of Route 1 in York and Cumberland counties. Resolved: That the Department of Transportation, or “the department,” and the Maine Turnpike Authority, or “the authority," shall conduct a study of existing highway infrastructure and future capacity needs west of Route 1 in York and Cumberland counties, including the greater Gorham and Sanford areas. The purpose of this study is to develop a series of recommendations to enhance, expand and preserve highway connections between Route 1 and the Maine Turnpike and communities in western Cumberland County and York County. In conducting the study, the department and the authority shall review existing and potential new routes from the Maine Turnpike to municipal centers in western Cumberland County and York County that, in the determination of the department and the authority, would, if constructed, significantly decrease congestion on state and local roads in the area and improve access from communities in western Cumberland County and York County to the Maine Turnpike. The study must be designed and conducted in a manner that will allow the results to be used during future state and federal permitting of any proposal that may proceed to construction, and any potential project must be compatible with state transportation policy in accordance with Maine's Sensible Transportation Policy Act and the federal National Environmental Policy Act. In evaluating and prioritizing strategies for study, the department and the authority shall consider, at a minimum, the following factors:

1. The feasibility of expanding the existing highway infrastructure to accommodate future traffic and economic demands of the region;

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

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

A. The traffic impact of the new infrastructure on the existing road network;

B. Environmental impacts;

C. Traffic toll revenue projections on any new infrastructure and the effects on toll revenues on the existing turnpike; and

D. Construction and maintenance costs;

4. Coordinating with area communities and regional planning agencies to evaluate land use impacts of all strategies studied, and developing recommendations to communities for land use controls to protect their community character, economic vitality and future investments in the transportation system; 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 their study to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation no later than February 28, 2008. Upon its receipt and review of the report, the committee may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.