CAPE ELIZABETH — The community group Safe Access for Everyone is acquiring non-profit status and starting a campaign to raise the local portion required for a federal grant to construct the Shore Road Pathway.

When the Town Council approved a grant application to the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System to fund construction of the pathway in January, a condition was that 20 percent of the nearly $1 million cost would be privately funded.

So a group of pathway supporters, SAFE, began planning to raise nearly $225,000 in matching funds. 

Jim Kerney of 1015 Shore Road, co-chairman of SAFE, said the group’s mission is to provide safe pathways around Cape Elizabeth for children, runners, bicyclists and walkers. The Shore Road Pathway is one of the projects the group supports.

“We are in the final stages of receiving our non-profit status, and are beginning the fundraising piece now,” Kerney said. 

He said the formal group of about a dozen people has the support of hundreds of residents.

“We collected over 600 signatures of supporters in the community,” he said. “We want those who live here, our children, and those who visit to be safe.”

The group plans to solicit funds from grant providers, corporations, organizations and companies that use Shore Road, and from private contributors. Kerney said non-residents who use the road are also welcome to contribute.

“We will work closely with the town officials and make this a cooperative effort,” he said. “We are looking forward to making progress and and are geared up for the fundraising efforts.”

There is information on the pathway, and the fundraising campaign, at safecape.org. The group also has a Facebook page to help raise awareness.

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net

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