MaineDOT Anticipates Funding for Repairs to Houlton’s US-Route 2A

AUGUSTA – Houlton’s US-Route 2A is featured on the Maine Department of Transportation’s Biennial Capital Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2008-2009. This plan includes a listing of all transportation infrastructure projects that have initially qualified to receive funding for construction, repairs and improvements.

If it receives final approval, portions of Route 2A, which included a stretch from McIntyre Road to Kendall Street, would receive a combined total of $3,726,316 to fund engineering and construction projects. That figure is the total amount after federal, state and local funding contributions. In addition, $957,120 in federal and state funding would be used to replace the Hodgdon Stream Bridge over the Meduxnekeag River.

Securing funding for Route 2A repairs, also referred to as Bangor Road, has been a priority for Senator Roger Sherman (R-Hodgdon). The Senator has introduced legislation, which has earned bipartisan support in the State House, that would direct Maine’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to make improvements to Bangor Road.

Sen. Sherman was very pleased with the inclusion of Bangor Road in the Work Plan. “This is a major roadway in Aroostook County that is in dire need of investment for construction and repairs,” he explained. “I’m hopeful that the roadway will remain on the Work Plan developed by the Department [of Transportation]. Whatever happens, I will continue to do whatever I can to ensure that this road receives the attention it desperately needs.”

Sen. Sherman represents Senate District 345, which includes Southern and Central Aroostook County; including Fort Fairfield, Houlton and Presque Isle. He can be reached in Augusta at 287-1505, in Hodgdon at 532-7073 or by e-mail at rsherm_2000@yahoo.com.

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