People on Matinicus Island are calling for more visits from the Maine State Ferry Service Author: Don Carrigan Updated: 8:54 PM EST February 11, 2021
AUGUSTA, Maine When you live 23 miles out to sea, it may be easy to forget you’re connected to the rest of Maine.
But people on Matinicus Island, which has about 30 year-round residents have a regular reminder of that connection to the state: the ferry that makes the trip once a month in winter, more often in warmer weather.
And that link to the mainland is why the island is asking the Legislature for help.
There is a state law that says the Maine State Ferry Service can’t make more than 36 ferry trips per year to Matinicus. Town Clerk Eva Murray, who is also the chair of the Ferry Service advisory board, said Matinicus relies on the ferry to bring in everything from propane and heating oil to lumber for houses. She said last year they reached the maximum number of trips.