Chammings appointed to rail committee

OXFORD — The board of selectmen has appointed Town Manager Michael Chammings to a committee researching passenger rail service through Oxford Hills.

During the February 7 selectmen's meeting, Chammings said Glen Holmes, from the Western Maine Economic Development Council, requested he join the council's rail committee.

WMEDC is backing a proposal to restore passenger rail service from Portland to Montreal, with stops in Lewiston, Mechanic Falls, Oxford, Paris, Bethel and points in New Hampshire.

According to Chammings, the town's right of way to the railroad, off the Number Six Road near the Oxford Hills Business Park, could be the location of a future rail station.

Passenger rail service would be attractive for a service center like Oxford, Chammings said, particularly as a way to bring visitors to the Oxford Casino.

Businesses, including restaurants and at least one 100-unit hotel were planning on moving into Oxford, Chammings said.

Chammings told the board he intended to serve on the rail committee until he could find someone in the community with expertise in the subject.