Emergency Ferry Task Force
Chair | Gabe Pendleton | ||
Member | Shey Conover | ||
Member | John King | ||
Member | Earl MacKenzie | ||
Member | Fred Porter | ||
Member | Peter Willcox |
Committee Purpose
Provide advice to the Select Board on the strategy development, communication, and community response to the DOT's proposal to move the ferry to berth in Lincolnville overnight and discontinue emergency runs.
Summary of the Issue
The Maine Commissioner of the Department of Transportation has announced his decision that DOT will pursue berthing all Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS) ferries on the mainland, jeopardizing MSFS as an option for providing after hours emergency services transport. In a meeting held December 2024, Commissioner Van Note announced he expected to implement this change in two years (2027).
Islesboro Town Response
The Select Board formed a committee to support our coordinated response to this decision. We are pursuing legislation in the 2025 winter session to reverse this decision, coordinating a multi-island response through petitions and the Maine State Ferry Service Advisory Board, organizing communications with Commissioner Van Note, Governor Mills, our coastal legislators, and our federal delegation; and pursuing coverage for this issue in local, state, and regional media. The town will continue to update a FAQ document on this issue.
What Can You Do: Let your voice be heard!
Call and e-mail your state legislators (contact information below)
Suggested Message
- I am concerned about DOT’s decision to berth Islesboro’s ferry in Lincolnville overnight. There was not enough planning or community input to understand the impact to our community before this decision was made. It is critically important that this issue be included in the legislative process this legislative session.
- Provide details about your specific concern.
- Thank your legislator for listening.
How to Contact our Legislators
Senator Chip Curry (Waldo County) https://legislature.maine.gov/district11
Representative Michael Ray https://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/memberprofiles/Details/3114
Send your concerns to the Islesboro Town Office
The town is collecting emails and stories from concerned citizens. Please email your concerns to: ferryconcerns@townofislesboro.com
Check Back for Updates
The town will continue to provide updates with opportunities to have your voices heard. It is important to express your individual concerns, and to participate in opportunities to unify our voices to maximize our impact!
Next Meeting
1/22/15 @ 4:30 pm at the Town Office & Via Zoom. Watch for details.
Resources
FAQ Document – Updated 1/9/2025
Video: DOT Meeting 12/30/2024 view on YouTube
Letter from Commissioner Bruce Van Note: 01/15/2025