The Surface Transportation Board has agreed to hold a public hearing on Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway's application to abandon 240-miles of track in northern Maine.

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has agreed to hold a public hearing in Maine on Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway's application to abandon 240-miles of track in northern Maine.

That's according to Maine's congressional delegation. Second District Congressman Mike Michaud says it's rare for the STB to hold field hearings.

The agency told Michaud and other members of the delegation that it decided to hold a public hearing in Maine to allow citizens and stakeholders to provide testimony on the effects of the proposed abandonment.

The railway says it can no longer afford to maintain the track. But Gov. John Baldacci says it's the only rail line serving several major businesses in Aroostook County and the proposed abandonment threatens as many as 1,000 jobs in the region.

"With this hearing, the Surface Transportation Board will hear first hand just how devastating this action could be for Maine's economy," Michaud says in a statement. "Many Maine businesses rely on freight rail service, and it would be a major economic setback for the entire state if these lines are abandoned. It's crucial that Mainers have a chance to illustrate the significant impact that abandonment will have on our state."

Maine Sen. Susan Collins is also praising the decision. Collins and Michaud say the STB will announce a date and location of the hearing at a later date.

To read the STB's decision, click here.