Sen. Brenner introduces bill to repeal Gorham Connector proposal

AUGUSTA – Today, Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, introduced a bill to repeal the proposed Gorham Connector project. LD 1020, “An Act to Repeal the Laws Providing for the Construction of a Connector to Gorham and to Sell the Land to the Previous Owners,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Transportation.

This legislation would repeal the Maine Turnpike Authority’s proposal to construct a 5-mile highway extension from Exit 45 on I-95 to the town of Gorham. 

“I recognize the region’s need for a solution to our traffic congestion, but the connector is not the solution,” stated Sen. Stacy Brenner. “Any route for the highway would cut through Smiling Hill Farm, one of the oldest family-owned dairy farms in the country and a valued part of the community. Preserving local businesses and working landscapes is important as we plan for future transportation needs.”

“The Gorham Connector would destroy my home that I love and hold dear along with the homes of so many other neighbors in North Scarborough,” said Stanis Moody-Roberts, a constituent of Sen. Brenner in Scarborough. “It would destroy our beloved Smiling Hill Farm, entail paving over 40 acres of protected wetland and severely [impair] the headwaters of Red Brook.”

“The more we force our residents to spread out, the [more] we raise our costs of living,” stated Gorham Town Councilor Lou Simms. “The overwhelming majority of Gorham residents who have chosen to speak their minds have rejected MTA’s proposed highway. As has been demonstrated in towns across North America, more highway expansion does not guarantee more prosperity.”

Recently, the Maine Turnpike Authority has asked Maine Department of Transportation to do a two-year review of the benefits and shortfalls of current infrastructure as well as gather feedback from residents affected by the traffic in the area.

The bill faces a work session and further action in committee.