Sierra Club Names Maine East-West Highway Idea As Among Worst In Nation

The Sierra Club released a report this week that examined fifty of the nation's best and worst transportation projects. The report noted that the proposed, privately run, four-lane toll highway cutting through the Maine woods would have negative impacts on air and water quality and wildlife habitat. The 220-mile highway would be a direct route between Quebec and New Brunswick, Canada via Maine.

Peter Vigue, chairman of the Cianbro Corp. construction company, is a leading supporter of the project. According to the AP, he told lawmakers earlier this year that the highway route would revitalize Maine ports and rail systems, create jobs and open Maine industries to global trade. The Maine legislature earlier this year appropriated $300,000 for a feasibility study with the money being paid back by the developer if the highway gets the go-ahead.

What do you think? Do you think an east-west highway in Maine would be a good thing for the state or harm Maine's environment?