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.
Legislative Update
Below is a list of bills relevant to this issue. This will be updated as we learn more about opportunities to testify. Details can be found on the Maine Legislature website: https://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp
- LD 736: An Act to An Act to Improve Ferry Service Reliability by Providing Scholarships at the Maine Maritime Academy
- LD 841: Resolve, to Study the Delivery of Emergency Medical Services to and Ferry Service Effects on Island Communities in the State
- LD 947: An Act to Clarify Overnight Docking at Mainland Ports for Certain Island Ferry Vessels
- DOT Testimony and White Paper 4-29-25
What Can You Do: Let your voice be heard!
The Legislature’s Transportation Committee will be holding a work session on Thursday, May 15th at 11:00am to discuss key bills that affect the Maine State Ferry Service and our island communities.
Representative Michael Ray sits on this committee. Please consider sending him a quick, personal note at:
Michael.Ray@legislature.maine.gov
Lawmakers pay attention to messages from the people they represent. Even just a few sentences about why the ferry matters to you can make a big difference.
We’ve included some talking points as a starting place (link below)—but please do not copy and paste them. Use your own voice and speak from your own experience.
On the 15th, you can watch the work session live here:
https://legislature.maine.gov/committee/#Committees/TRA
Thank you for taking the time to speak up for our community.
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
Watch for details.
Resources
FAQ Document – Updated 1/9/2025
Video: DOT Meeting 12/30/2024 view on YouTube
Letter to Commissioner Bruce Van Note: 12/4/2024
Letter from Commissioner Bruce Van Note: 01/15/2025
MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 Union Survey: Ferry Service Employee Survey