Public hearing to be held regarding railway closure

HERMON, Maine (NEWS CENTER)--Federal officials say they'll hold a public hearing in Maine on the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway's application to abandon about 240 miles of rail line in the northern third of the state.

The railroad has filed notice with the surface transportation board that it intends to abandon its tracks that stretch from Madawaska to Millinocket. The company says revenue has plunged as shipments of lumber, plywood, logs and wood chips have fallen.

The board announced Friday it will hold a public hearing in Maine to allow people to speak about the impacts of closing the line. The date has not been scheduled, but the hearing will likely be in May.

The company says its other 541 miles of track in Maine, Vermont and Canada remain profitable.