The Governor helps launch the Cat on
her maiden voyage from Portland to Nova Scotia
by Ramona du Houx
Governor John Baldacci recently
helped to bring the CAT to Portland, and a cruse line to Bangor. More and more people are
taking cruises for their vacations. Maine, with its mystical coastline, natural treasures
and picturesque cities, has become a sought-after destination. In 2005, Maine’s 12
ports hosted a total of 180 ship calls, in comparison with 74 ship calls in 2000. In Maine
direct spending by cruise lines totaled roughly $31 million last year, which was over
twice as much as in 2004.
The governor was instrumental in getting
low-cost flights from New York to Portland with JetBlue and helping charter services for
Northern Maine.
"This governor has done a
tremendous amount for transportation," said Portland Mayor Cohen. "At every step
of the way, with every mode of transportation he has helped improved transportation for
the city. He is the transportation governor."
Since his earliest years in the U.S.
Congress, John Baldacci has been working to get train services throughout Maine. He was
instrumental in bringing Amtrak’s Downeaster to Maine. As a congressman he chose the
Transportation Committee as one of his many committees, because he understands how
important good highways, waterways, and train routes are to a state as large as Maine.
He has improved major intermodal centers,
where goods are shipped by truck, train, and sometimes plane, making them more
interactive, which saves costs. He understands that it is a challenge — in costs
— for businesses to ship their goods. The more modes of transportation available, the
more the expense diminishes.
He understands that people are looking for
less stress in their lives, and a good train system makes commuting pleasant while saving
energy costs.
His recent executive order to conduct
research into train services for more northern routes is a major initiative for the state
of Maine. The order also calls for more focus on economic development options near
existing train stations along the Amtrak Downeaster route. This will assist the creative
economy in those areas.
"Every month the Downeaster is
breaking new ridership records. The Downeaster is bringing new energy to downtown economic
development in Old Orchard, Saco, and other communities. It’s time to head
north," said the governor.
The governor builds upon what he has achieved. The
Downeaster is a boon for the state with many southern residents commuting to Boston, and
visitors coming to Maine for day excursions. With the governor’s tireless work, we
will be able to "get there from here." |
