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Over the past six years, there have been many pieces of the project to relocate the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum operations, including the museum and a portion of its tourist train, to the Gray plaza that have been painstakingly worked on by MNGRR and in the local community. In November, voters in Gray will have the opportunity at the polls to allocate $498,000 from a reserve fund to MNGRR in order to effectively prime the engines of the fundraising locomotive, which will in turn show other potential donors that our community is committed to investing in itself. On a personal note, I cannot wait until the day when the first museum-based Narrow Gauge tourist train leaves the platform in Gray and when I can hear the conductor exclaim, “All Aboard!” That day will be historic not only for the museum and its plethora of rail history and artifacts, but also for the residents of the greater Gray-New Gloucester community.

In July 2010 – five representatives of the town of Gray, including myself, met with MNGRR to discuss the relocation project. On that day we also walked the Interurban Rail line in the Gray Meadows to view what was left of the old rail bed. This day was the beginning of a partnership that was solidified when Gray was eventually selected over 38 other communities as the new home for the museum. The selection came down to several key factors: Gray’s proximity to their current location; importance in having a flagship museum remain in southern Maine; the infrastructure potential – land to build a state-of-the-art facility, including enough space for artifact displays, maintenance and a functional tourist line; and finally the commitment by the community. The selection committee was impressed with the level of interest and noted commitment of the plaza land owner, town officials and members of various community stakeholder groups.

Consistent with the Downtown Revitalization Plan (2006), this project has the potential to be a significant boost to the economic base for Gray as a tourist attraction, while also providing a state-of-the-art venue that includes much needed educational and meeting room space. MNGRR will dovetail nicely with other local entities to provide greater exposure for our community.

Recently, there have been some environmental concerns expressed with regard to the rail bed use in Gray Meadows. There was an initial feasibility study and assessment done to determine whether the current rail bed was adequate for what is proposed which included concepts for a recreational trail and pedestrian access. In addition, there have been similar analyses as part of the land transfer process, which included procurement of key parcels through Gray Meadows. Final studies and permitting will be underway once funding has been secured. As stated by Executive Director Donnie Carroll at a presentation in Gray, “If we are told that the rail line has to end well before Long Hill Road – then we will end it where we are directed and will look to have the remainder of the rail bed used (revamped and improved) for other community uses- such as a safe walking and cross-country skiing. We are and want to continue to be good stewards of that land.”

I encourage citizens of Gray to not only vote yes to release the funds in the November referendum but to also find out more about the project and how this will positively impact our community and how you can get involved by going to www.mainenarrowgauge.org.

Leo Credit is a past president and founding member of the Gray-New Gloucester Development Corporation. He is the president and owner of Gray Physical Therapy Center.