Although the money isn't there yet, there is support for a Midcoast shuttle service.

The Damariscotta Board of Selectmen issued unanimous support for a trolley that would connect the Twin Villages to Boothbay Harbor and beyond.

They just aren't yet ready to commit money from the contingency fund to do so.

The shuttle would ferry Maine Eastern Railroad customers from Newcastle to downtown Damariscotta, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Wiscasset. There are several options, which are dependent on funding and town participation.

Town Manager Matt Lutkus proposed using $3,000 from the contingency funds to help fund the project, which could cost upwards of $50,000.

“Time is running short,” Lutkus said. “There's still a lot of work to be done in the interim, but I think showing some support could give (the service) a shot in the arm.”

The board will again discuss the possibility of aiding the shuttle service financially when it meets with the Newcastle Board of Selectmen at the end of the month.

Like the January 27 meeting, Damariscotta Selectmen’s Chairman Joshua Pinkham said both towns should go into it together.

“We're obviously grateful it's coming and we'll pitch in,” Pinkham said. “They're not going to have to do it by themselves.”

The joint board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 at the Newcastle Town Office.