Local news- Press Release
Kennebunk Maine - Federal Funding of the Eastern Trail Expansion Celebrated in Kennebunk 20 May 2022 ( news )
Kennebunk , state Maine ( By Press Release office)
May 20,2022
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$700 , 000 in recently secured federal funding will help expand the Eastern Trail 11 miles south .
On Friday , Kennebunk Town Manager Mike Pardue joined Congresswoman Chellie Pingree ( D - Maine ) and members from the Eastern Trail Alliance and the East Coast Greenway Alliance in celebrating $700 , 000 in new federal funding to expand the Eastern Trail with an event at the Eastern Trail trailhead in Kennebunk .
The funding , secured by Pingree in the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Bill will expand the Eastern Trail 11 miles from Kennebunk to North Berwick , supporting the development of an active transportation corridor and recreational trail that offers significant social , economic , and environmental benefits .
“The Eastern Trail is tremendously popular with the residents and visitors of Kennebunk . The $700 , 000 in new federal funding , is sure to foster increased economic growth and outdoor recreation for Kennebunk and the region , ” said Kennebunk Town Manager Mike Pardue .
The Eastern Trail is the Southern Maine portion of the 3 , 000 - mile East Coast Greenway that traverses the East Coast between Calais , Maine and Key West , Florida . Based on a 2021 economic impact analysis , there are 250 , 000 people using the trail annually , and each user spends an average of $118 per day . The trail also supports 364 jobs across the state , $12 . 5 million in earnings and $32 . 1 million in sales , with most sales coming from overnight lodging , food and drink , and retail items .
When complete ,
Blaze the Trail South
will add 25 miles resulting in 25 miles of off - road trail connecting 7 communities from Kennebunk to Kittery in one of the most densely populated regions in the state ( York County ) . This will provide a safe and convenient facility for bicycle commuters , recreational riders , walkers , runners , and wheelchair users for transportation , health , and outdoor enjoyment .
“With this federal funding , Maine’s southern communities will be connected with a new , 11 - mile stretch of off - road trail , supporting local economies and fostering a safe and sustainable route through some of Maine’s most populated areas , ” said Congresswoman Pingree .
“The expansion of trail south towards our goal of getting to the Maine New Hampshire border will provide a significant investment in off - road trails in Southern Maine , ” said Jon Kachmar , Eastern Trail Executive Director .
“This funding is a major step towards completing the Eastern Trail and East Coast Greenway in southern Maine , which will expand economic development , outdoor recreation and equitable active transportation opportunities in the region”
said Kristine Keeney , East Coast Greenway Alliance Northern New England Manager .
“I am excited to continue to work alongside the Eastern Trail and other local partners to complete the East Coast Greenway in Maine .
View the Blaze the Trail South map
.
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