Legislative hearing draws hundreds as lawmakers consider repealing Gorham Connector authorization

Gorham —s proposed connector to the Maine Turnpike remained the focus of a marathon public hearing Thursday as the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation heard LD 1020, a bill that would repeal the Turnpike Authority—s authorization to build the project and require divestment or resale of land already acquired.

Proponents of repeal framed the issue as a local land‑use and environmental fight. "The proposed Gorham connector is a costly and outdated solution to our region's transportation challenges," Senator Stacy Brenner (Senate District 30) told the committee. "This proposal threatens our environment, increases emissions, and fails to provide an effective long term transportation strategy." The senator cited potential impacts to wetlands and Smiling Hill Farm and urged the committee to allow alternative transportation solutions to be considered.

Nut graf: The committee heard several hours of sharply divided testimony from residents, local officials, conservation groups and the Maine Turnpike Authority. Supporters of LD 1020 — including municipal officials, farmers and…