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  Span Formally Renamed Calumet Bridge at Old Fort Western

Kennbec Journal
March 13, 2009

http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/6058603.html

The Maine Senate on Thursday gave final approval to a bill to rename the Father John J. Curran Bridge in Augusta.

With no debate, the bill passed with unanimous consent. Gov. John Baldacci said he'll sign the bill into law.

The bill, brought forward by Rep. Patsy Crockett, D-Augusta, will change the name to the Calumet Bridge at Old Fort Western.

"It's a wonderful name, and I am pleased they went through the process," Baldacci said. "I'm looking forward to signing the bill into law."

Curran served as priest at St. Augustine Church from 1962 to 1972 and was a well-respected figure in Augusta. The Legislature voted in 1973 to name the bridge after him. He died in 1976.

After his death, accusations of child sexual abuse surfaced. Advocates for abuse victims worked this summer to get the names of scholarships changed and to begin the process of renaming the bridge.

"The community really came forward to push for this change and find a suitable replacement," Crockett said in a statement. "The renaming shows our commitment to support survivors and stand together in the fight against sexual abuse."

 
 

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