Downeast: Residents support in-kind replacement of Machias Dike Bridge

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Good morning,

The public is being asked to comment on major projects Downeast this month, including a proposed underwater data center in Eastport and options for repair or replacement of the Machias Dike Bridge.

We have updates on both of these projects, along with links to submit comments.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is closing comments on the Eastport proposal on Monday. Submitting comments through FERC’s online portal can be time-consuming.

Submitting comment to the Maine Department of Transportation on the Machias dike is less complicated, and that portal is open through Oct. 31.

We also have an update on an easement dispute over a decades-old coastal road in Machiasport that is now heading to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, and a story out of Calais where councilors have authorized the city manager to sign a purchase and sale agreement for the Calais Armory. The City Council will talk about how to pay for the property when it meets on Oct. 22.

With mere weeks until Election Day, please take a look at our updated 2026 Voter Guide. You can enter your home address and find out who will be on your ballot, along with information about each of those candidates.

Have a great weekend and please share this newsletter with family members and friends. They can sign up on our website to have it delivered to their inbox each Saturday.

Thank you for reading,

Judy

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Public comment period on federal permit for proposed Eastport data center ends Monday: As the federal deadline arrives, opponents gather signatures for a revised petition giving residents final vote on large industrial projects. Read this story by Melissa S. Razdrih

Machias-area residents support in-kind replacement of Machias Dike Bridge: As MaineDOT launches its federal environmental review, locals urge state officials to preserve firefighting water, raise the causeway and resolve a 17-year debate. Read this story by Evan W. Houk

Calais lands $952,380 fire truck grant, clears path for $578,000 armory purchase: The City Council approves FEMA funding for a new ladder truck and authorizes an agreement to relocate municipal offices to the National Guard facility. Read this story by Ethan Bien

Machiasport property owners appeal court ruling in yearslong Shore Road dispute: Landowners take their legal battle to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court while challenging a $475,000 grant to move the coastal road inland. Read this story by Melissa S. Razdrih

$130 million refund to Maine customers in limbo as electric utilities appeal order to cut profits: Federal regulators said New England utilities must retroactively lower their profits from transmission infrastructure. The companies appealed. Read this story by Delger Erdenesanaa

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