SEARSPORT — On Aug. 25, the Maine Dept. of Transportation announced it planned to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 26 in Searsport to mark the completion of the $17.8 million Searsport Route 1 Reconstruction, adding that Maine Senator Susan Collins, Acting DOT Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation Dale Doughty and Searsport Town Manager James Gillway will be on-hand to give remarks and answer questions about the project and its impact on the region.

The announcement was followed by a press release from Sen. Collins' office confirming that she would be in attendance, adding that  as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins, "secured $9.2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in Fiscal Year 2022 to support this project."

That announcement was then followed by an announcement from Waldo County Indivisible calling for a peaceful demonstration at the event.

The DOT said the Searsport Route 1 reconstruction rebuilt a key stretch of Route 1 from Savage Road north to Station Avenue.

"One of the project's major upgrades includes the addition of a center left-turn lane between Trundy Road and Station Avenue, designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for motorists," the DOT said in its release. "The project also closed critical gaps in the pedestrian network, creating a continuous and accessible sidewalk route through downtown Searsport. To further improve walkability, MaineDOT partnered with the Town of Searsport to install new pedestrian lighting and brick sidewalks."

The ribbon-cutting is expected to take place by the new Searsport Planters in front of Edwards grocery store.

Waldo County Indivisible said in its announcement that the ribbon-cutting is a:

"Wonderful opportunity to greet Susan !!!!
"What about all the other cuts she's made?  

"Cuts to school lunch programs
"Cuts to support for food banks
"Cuts to purchases from farmers
"Cuts to rental assistance for seniors
"Cuts to broadband expansion
"Cuts to weather forecasting
"Cuts to disaster relief
"Cuts to national parks
"Cuts to cancer care and cancer research
"Cuts to Veterans’ healthcare benefits
"Cuts to prescription drug benefits
"Cuts to mental health services
"Cuts to addiction recovery support
"Cuts to MaineCare and the Affordable Care Act that will result in roughly 13.7 million people losing their health insurance by 2034, including nearly 51,000 people in Maine; and will lead to higher medical costs; and cause rural hospitals to close

"What about the cuts she should make?  
"Funds for Gaza genocide, ICE....
"See you there, bring some friends, plenty of signs and arrive a bit early.  There's some construction on Route 1 just north of the Passy River so you may need to allow extra time."