Abuse Allegations Lead to Renaming of Bridge, WMTW, March 13, 2009

Abuse Allegations Lead to Renaming of Bridge

WMTW
March 13, 2009

http://www.wmtw.com/news/18926309/detail.html

Gov. John Baldacci says he'll sign a bill renaming the Father Curran Bridge in Augusta because of abuse allegations that arose after the Roman Catholic priest's death.

Maine Senate Gave Final Approval Thursday

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine Gov. John Baldacci said he'll sign a bill renaming the Father Curran Bridge in Augusta because of abuse allegations that arose after the Roman Catholic priest's death.

With no debate, the Maine Senate gave final approval to the bill on Thursday. After it's signed, the new name will be the Calumet Bridge at Old Fort Western.

The Rev. John J. Curran served as priest at St. Augustine Church from 1962 to 1972. He died in 1976, three years after the Legislature voted to name the bridge in his honor.

The sexual abuse allegations surfaced long after his death. Over the summer, advocates for abuse victims worked to change the name of the bridge and scholarships in his name.

Previous Stories:

* February 10, 2009: Transportation Committee Votes To Change Bridge Name

* February 3, 2009: State Committee Considers Augusta Bridge Renaming