AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation is convening an advisory stakeholder group to assist the department in identifying and developing strategies to address highway mobility and transportation needs in northern Maine. This group will review past feasibility studies and recommend highway improvements that will improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity in Aroostook County.

"Aroostook County is a special place and a key element of our statewide transportation system in Maine," said Bruce Van Note, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation. "The members of this stakeholder group will examine northern Maine's transportation needs and work toward practical solutions aimed at improving connections, supporting economic development, and improving quality of life. We look forward to engaging with our partners in Aroostook County and spending some extra time in one of the most beautiful parts of our state this fall."

In June, the Maine State Legislature passed, and Governor Mills signed into law, LD 607, *Resolve, to Direct the Department of Transportation to Examine Improving Highway Connections from Interstate 95 to the St. John Valley*. In accordance with that resolve, this stakeholder group will consist of 11 members and include representatives from local municipal offices, regional and statewide planning organizations, and local industry groups.

This stakeholder group will have three in-person public meetings in Aroostook County in the coming months. The first meeting will be on September 18th at the Knights of Columbus Hall (172 Fox Street) in Madawaska. Additional meetings are scheduled for October 12th in Fort Kent and November 14th in Caribou. Exact locations of the second and third meetings are still being finalized. Each stakeholder meeting is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The last hour of each meeting is reserved for public comments.

A virtual meeting will be held on December 12th to review this group's work. By the end of the year, MaineDOT will submit a final report that includes the findings and recommendations of the stakeholder group to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation.