Decision to close Tourist Center misguided

To the editor:
    I am writing on behalf of Aroostook County Tourism to express the extreme disappointment that is felt over the Department of Transportation’s decision to close the Houlton Visitor’s Center and the timeliness of the notification of this decision so close to the June closure date. As you are well aware, the current economic conditions of the State are challenging, and tourism is an extremely important driver of that economy.
    Aroostook County, sharing those same challenges, now faces yet another blow to our local economy but this time it comes at the hands of the state of Maine. We would strongly urge Maine’s Department of Transportation to reconsider this decision. If not, please be as amenable as possible to allow local interests the time needed to develop alternative plans for this facility. We understand MDOT’s wishes in this matter but that should not be an obstacle to maintaining this vital tourism asset in the County.
    We believe that there must be a reasonable solution to this problem that does not impact tourism in northern Maine so dramatically and look to MDOT and its staff to keep this in mind as they move forward.
Charles P. Harris, chairman
Aroostook County Tourism