This highway is a bad idea all around. This highway will be nothing more than a way for Canada and foreign nations to transport their goods across our state. we just happen to be in the way. Those behind this do not have our best interests at heart. It will negatively affect the things that draw people to our state. Our wildlife,water, agriculture,rural communities will be in danger. This sets the presidence for future acqusitions by the state and/or private companies to take what land they want not only here in Maine but in other parts of the country. This is just another example of a few Americans in positions of power, selling out their fellow Americans for the all mighty dollar.

My husband and I are residents of Garland, both recent transplants. We grew up in southern New England and lived in the mid-Atlantic for a short time as well. We've been coming to Maine for many years to enjoy all that it has to offer. It is a beautiful state where people live simple lives. There isn't the noise and pollution that we found in the other places that we lived. And so, we fell in love with Maine and intend to spend the rest of your days here.

So, you can imagine our shock when we learned that the latest proposed route for the east/west corridor practically puts it at our front door! We have been doing our research on this project and as far as we're concerned see no real benefit to the state or the people of Maine. This project is an environmental disaster in the making. Not only does it threaten to destroy thousands of acres of this beautiful state, it will most certainly alter and forever change the simple way of life that so many have enjoyed for generations and many have moved here to enjoy.

We understand that the plan for an e/w highway would make it easier for goods to be shipped across Maine, from one part of Canada to another, and to the US mid-west and beyond. But from what we've have learned the proposed route is only about 15 to 25 miles shorter than the current roads that exist to take trucks from Calais to Coburn Gore. So, we believe this project isn't about a highway at all, but rather the highway acts as a cover to get what is most valuable, and that is the resources of Maine. Let's not destroy our environment for the interest of others.

We ask that you please stand with us and all those opposed to the east/west corridor. This project will not help to improve the economy of Maine! It will only divide our state, destroy our natural resources, and forever alter our simple way of life.

Please help us to stop it!

Thank you,

Jean Valentim

i agree with with jean and andrew who posted before me