BRUNSWICK
Local matching money is needed now, even though state funds to extend the bike and walking path along the Androscoggin River through Bath won’t be available until 2016.
Brunswick, West Bath and Bath need to come up with $40,000 — for preliminary engineering and architecture work — to demonstrate readiness to the Maine Department of Transportation. Once the local money is appropriated, the three neighboring communities will be put into a queue of communities waiting for “first available” funds. The 7.2-mile bike path extension is one of three projects proposed for riverside recreation, and the second to receive preliminary approval from MDOT.
The other is a plan to install four pedestrian-activated, flashing crosswalk warning systems as part of the Safe Routes to School program. Locations for the warning lights have yet to be determined. The $100,000 federally funded project, administered by the state, includes a $25,000 contribution by the town.
A third project is being rallied by community stalwart Nancy Randolph, and would extend a walking trail between Brunswick and Topsham and create a “pocket park,” stairway and overlook area.
Phase One of that project opened in October, linking sidewalks from the Swinging Bridge to Summer Street.
The next phase, which was denied MDOT funding, will cost an estimated $178,000 in local private funds to qualify for federal matching grants, Randolph said.
“I can’t see why we can’t find the money,” she added. “This is a piece of cake. We’ll get it, we’ll come back to you, and you can go to the MDOT and say, ‘We’ve got the match.’”
She started by urging each of the Town Councilors Monday night to contribute $100 to the project.
At-large councilor John Richardson Jr. described Randolph as a “dogged, persistent and successful” fundraiser — and then immediately volunteered fellow at-large councilor Benet Pols for a $200 contribution.
jtleonard@timesrecord.com
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