TRANSPORTATION     STATE OF THE ISLAND REPORT FROM 4/23/03

TRANSPORTATION OP-ED            WRITTEN BY MOLLIE PHEMISTER, Hulls Cove resident

MDI Tomorrow
Transportation Working Group

This MDI Tomorrow Transportation work group has identified and is working on a number of important issues related to transportation:

• Traffic volume and congestion
  
• Dependence on the private automobile and limited safe transportation alternatives, such as bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, and year-round transit services
  
• Poor road conditions
  
• Lack of funding for infrastructure improvements, maintenance and alternative transportation
  
• Increasing commute distances caused by high cost of living on MDI
  
• Need for better enforcement of traffic laws
  
• Lack of parking facilities.
  

Ten years ago, citizens who initiated MDI Tomorrow recognized transportation as an important element of the future of MDI. One of the many results of these discussions was the creation of the Island Explorer, a nationally recognized, propane-powered bus system that helps reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality for Mount Desert Island. But more needs to be done to reduce traffic congestion, create safe biking and walking routes, and provide year-round bus service. Community involvement is needed to help envision and build a transportation network that maintains our area’s quality of life.

Contacts:
Stephanie Clement, Friends of Acadia
Jim Fisher, Hancock County Planning Commission

To contact MDI Tomorrow:
MDI Tomorrow, c/o University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 63 Boggy Brook Rd., Ellsworth, ME 04605, 207-667-8212.

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