04/21/2011

MDOT approves funding for Shore Road Pathway

The Maine Department of Transportation has included $729,000 in its biennial transportation improvement program for the proposed Shore Road pathway. The pathway was first recommended in 1993 to extend along Shore Road from the Town Center to Fort Williams Park.

From all sources, the total amount now available is $107,000 short of the total $1.14 million estimated cost of the project, which includes a $124,000 contingency.

In March 2009, the Shore Road Pathway Study Committee recommended a final layout for the path, and the Town Council endorsed a concept plan and authorized up to $110,000 in municipal funds for permits, surveying and final design of the project.

A citizen group, Safe Access for Everyone, has raised more than $80,000 in private funding for the path. An additional $40,000 is available from credits the Town has with PACTS, the regional transportation planning agency. The municipal sidewalk improvement account has $60,000 set aside for sidewalk improvements.

All required permits for the path have been received from local and state agencies.

The Town Council will be considering next steps at an upcoming meeting. The date has not yet been set.