PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Environmental groups are taking aim at a proposal to build a privately funded highway across the middle of Maine.

The heads of the Forest Ecology Network and Restore: The North Woods said Monday that a 220-mile highway from Calais to Coburn Gore is a “colossal” threat to Maine’s environment and economy that would hurt Maine’s tourism industry while generating few jobs or economic benefits.

Forest Ecology Network Director Jonathan Carter said he thinks the highway would also serve as a corridor for oil and natural gas pipelines and large electrical transmission lines.

Supporters of the highway proposal say any environmental impacts will be minimized and that the roadway will provide an economic boost to Maine.

The Legislature has appropriated $300,000 for a feasibility study of the $2 billion project. Under the legislation the company that develops the highway would repay the state for the cost of the  study.