By Scott Taylor,Staff Writer

State transportation officials are trying to keep the Maine Turnpike off of a historic register, fearing it could threaten future federal funding.

“This could present a problem when it comes time to apply for permits for major projects, impacts on wetlands or getting federal funding for future widening projects,” said Dan Paradee, public affairs manager for the Maine Turnpike Authority.

It’s part of an effort to mark the 50th anniversary of the national interstate system. The Federal Transit Administration formed a committee to look for historically significant stretches of the system earlier this year.

“We initially understood we wouldn’t be a part of that; that we would be kept off of any list,” Paradee said. “There was some miscommunication, some misunderstandings and we’ve been included on a draft version of the list.”

Jonathan Labonte, assistant government relations manager for the authority, said the national system is exempt from being placed on historic registers. Congress voted this spring to allow regional parts of the system to be placed on historic registers, however.

Being named to a historic register can slow down redevelopment work.

“We can’t be sure what the impact would be, but you have to be wary about being put on list like this,” Paradee said. “We really think it’s a misunderstanding and that we’ll be removed.”

The FTA is taking public comment on the historical road designations through July 17.

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