WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Snowe and Collins announced today that the Maine Department of Transportation will receive $269,280 in federal grants from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) to implement various sections of the National Scenic Byways Program, which strives to protect and enhance our scenic, historical and natural resources. The funds would also foster community support for the program, educate the public on the need for resource protection and promote the tourism industry in Maine.
“The National Scenic Byways Program helps us to preserve our pristine landscapes and treasured natural resources. These efforts are essential to the continued growth of the tourism industry in Maine and to ensuring access to these scenic routes for future generations,” said the Senators in a joint statement. “This project will greatly benefit many communities in Maine, and we are pleased that the FHA has awarded these vital funds.”
Specifically, the Maine Department of Transportation was awarded ten separate grants for their National Scenic Byways Program. The funding allocation breaks down as follows:
- $25,000 for 38 miles along Route 11 in northern Aroostook Count beginning at the Canadian border.
- $25,000 for 78 miles of Route 201 extending south from the Canadian border through the town of Solon.
- $24,000 for portions of Route 1 and Route 186, including the towns of Schoodic, Winter Haven, Birch Harbor and Acadia National Park.
- $25,000 for Western Maine mountains, 25 miles northwest of Farmington, running beside Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes.
- $25,000 for Aroostook County on Route 1 immediately west of the boundary with New Brunswick, Canada.
- $24,000 for 12.5 miles of Route 182 in Eastern Maine, between Franklin and Cherryfield in Hancock and Washington Counties.
- $26,000 for 78 miles of Route 201 in Somerset County, extending south from the Canadian border through Solon.
- $19,280 for Western Maine mountains, 25 miles northwest of Farmington, running beside Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes.
- $14,400 for East of Ellsworth on Route 1, Route 186, and Route 182.
- $61,600 for Western Maine mountains, 25 miles northwest of Farmington, running beside Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes.
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