As elected officials representing portions of Aroostook, Penobscot, and Piscataquis counties, we have closely followed recent events regarding the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad (B&A). The B&A is a cornerstone of the northern Maine economy. Generations of families have earned their livelihoods in service to the B&A and most of the major employers in the region depend on the railroad for the delivery of raw materials and/or the shipment of finished products.

Unfortunately, the B&A is currently in very weak financial condition. By most accounts, it has mortgaged many of its assets in recent years, has been losing money, and is unable to pay all of its bills. Earlier this year, several creditors asked the Courts to force the B&A into bankruptcy. A decision on that request was delayed when it appeared that a buyer had been found for the B&A, but that deal has apparently fallen through. By the time this is printed, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court will likely have formally placed the B&A in bankruptcy.

The stakes in this matter are high for the B&A, its employees, creditors, customers, and the general public. The B&A is one of the largest and best paying employers in northern Maine. Its talented employees will find it difficult, if not impossible, to find other work at similar wages without moving. The Maine businesses along the B&A line depend on the railroad to bring in raw materials and to ship out finished products. B&A must continue operating at a reasonable cost if they are to stay in business. The economy of this part of the state is already fragile and major reductions in B&A�s service or dramatic cost increases could force some companies out of business.

In addition, many of B&A's creditors are Maine communities and businesses. Towns such as Milo are owned thousands in back property taxes and many suppliers of goods and services to the line are still awaiting payment. A bankruptcy process that maximizes the return to creditors will greatly assist these Maine entities.

Another major issue before the Court will be how the various parts of the B&A are handled. Some sections of the line are more profitable than others and buyers seeking to purchase the B&A out of bankruptcy may or may not choose to acquire the entire system. We are especially concerned about the future of the Canadian-American Railway (CDAC), the rail line from Brownville Junction west to Canada. The importance of CDAC to the economic development of communities along the line is obvious. For major shippers like Great Northern Paper (GNP) the CDAC provides low-cost access to Montreal and points west. Other options are more expensive and would become even more costly without competition from CDAC.

We hope that a suitor will buy the entire line. However, one may not be forthcoming and interested parties need to be prepared to work with potential suitors to preserve the line and maximize its operations. That is in the best interests of the Maine businesses that depend on the B&A, the line's employees, and the general public.