As of midnight December 21, 2007, the Public Comment period for the Wiscasset Route 1 Corridor Study Draft Environmental Impact Statement closed. MaineDOT and the Federal Highway Administration thanks everyone who participated in the Public Comment period, whether you attended a meeting, checked out this web site, or sent a comment. Between meetings, letters and the web site, we have received hundreds of comments.

The next step is to sort the comments into two categories: those that will need additional research and those that will not. We plan to meet with the Midcoast Bypass Task Force at the end of January to share copies of all the comments and draft a definitive work plan for the coming months. Our goal: to work with the Task Force to find the best possible solution to the traffic congestion on Route 1 in Wiscasset Village.

The Task Force includes representatives from MaineDOT, local communities, the Lincoln County Commissioners and environmental organizations. The success of the Task Force depends on the commitment and involvement of all residents, businesses, and organizations along the Midcoast Route 1 Corridor. Broad-based regional support for the final route is necessary - without communities’ approval, it will be difficult to secure funding for the construction. As the Task Force moves through its process, your comments, concerns, and questions are welcome.