Oxford hops on board passenger rail resolution

OXFORD — A resolution endorsing the restoration of passenger rail through western Maine and New Hampshire was adopted by the board of selectmen during its meeting February 21.

Oxford is the latest in a series of local towns endorsing the Oxford and Coos County Corridor Coalition, a group of communities in Maine and New Hampshire intending to meet to explore and implement opportunities for regional collaboration in passenger rail restoration.

A Western Maine Economic Development Council Rail Committee is currently investigating a proposal that would restore passenger rail from Portland through Lewiston, Mechanic Falls, Oxford, Paris and Bethel, ultimately terminating in Montreal.

At its February 7 meeting, the board of selectmen appointed Town Manager Michael Chammings to the WMEDC Rail Committee.

During the meeting, Chammings mentioned resuming rail service could be a boon to Oxford's services, like the Oxford Casino and Oxford Plains Speedway.