AUGUSTA (AP) — Gov. John Baldacci says rail service is important to Maine, and the state will reap further economic and environmental rewards from action it’s taken to improve railways.

In his weekly radio address, Baldacci says the state’s completion of a deal to purchase the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway in Aroostook and Penobscot counties avoids the potential loss of 750 to 1,000 jobs. That came on top of news that Maine received a $10.5 million federal grant for upgrades along the lines.

Baldacci says the state’s also investing in other rail lines, including the Downeaster passenger service, around the state. He says the improvements save time and money, reduce pollution and ease the state’s reliance on oil.