It appears the highly secret document that describes possible bypasses for Route 1 in Wiscasset is not so highly secret after all.

On Tuesday afternoon the newspaper got an E-mail from the Wiscasset Public Library saying they had a copy for anyone who wants to read the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) prepared by the Maine Department of Transportation.

Last week Carole Morris, the coordinator for the Midcoast Bypass Advisory Group, told the newspaper that only members of that group could read the DEIS. She sent out a memo to the members telling them that once they received the document, they could not release it to the public, "or share your copy with an y one, including close friends, family and town officials…."

In a telephone interview with Morris last week, Morris said the document is federal, therefore not subject to Maine's Freedom of Access Act (right to know law) and couldn't become public until it is published in the Federal Register. However, an attorney for the Maine Press Association told the newspaper Morris was "completely wrong."

The Wiscasset Public Library was one of many names on the distribution list printed in the document itself. Those who have taken a look at it say there's still a route that crosses the harbor in a new long bridge (N8c) then four other variations that cross further north near Clark's Point. The document also says the "no build" option is not consistent with the town's comprehensive plan.

In a straw vote a couple of years ago, the majority of Wiscasset residents said they didn't like any of the proposed routes.

Doug Hecox, a spokesman for the Federal Highway Administration told the newspaper last week that the "no build" option is still on the table.

Asked if any new routes will be considered, he said, "No, we are past the point of any new route selection."

During the 60-day comment period between the draft and final Environmental Impact Statement, there will be a number of meetings where the public can comment on the information in the draft.

Asked if the federal agency would pay to build a road that's not supported by the community, Hecox said, "The funding decisions are not made by us, but by the state Department of Transportation. They know the state roads better than we do."

"It's Congress that determines how much money will be spent on high priority projects, which the press calls earmarks," he said.

A meeting of the task force is set for Monday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln County Communications building in Wiscasset.