By Nancy Dorrans & Bob Hamblen
On May 20th, a small group of Maine outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, journalists, local and state officials, gathered at Kennebunk Elementary School to celebrate the Eastern Trail. The trail received $700,000 in new federal funding to expand south from Kennebunk to North Berwick.
“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.
11 Miles of New Trails
Jon Kachmar, Executive Director of the Eastern Trail, announced how thrilled he was to see this dream come true. “The final engineering design has been on the Eastern Trail radar for several years and we’re excited. It’s finally happening. When the new trail is constructed, it will represent the longest section of the Eastern Trail built to date, creating eleven miles of new trail (from Kennebunk to North Berwick) for walkers, bikers, runners, wheelchair users, and other non-motorized modes of transportation, both for people nearby as well as from away.”
Kachmar is responsible for managing and supporting the Eastern Trail Alliance and its maintenance and construction. He notes they are not done yet. “…When we hit North Berwick, we’re working collaboratively with communities to the south to continue our push to the New Hampshire border. This next project plans to connect the Eastern Trail to South Berwick, Elliot, Kittery, and finally reach the New Hampshire border. Maybe we’ll call this the Berwick to the Border campaign! With the rest of New England, we’re excited, albeit a bit nervous about such big ambitions.”
“Because we believe in it.”
Chellie Pingree smiled as she spoke passionately about the funding and how it came to the Eastern Trail in Maine. “This wouldn’t have happened without the supportive (local) communities… I couldn’t be more excited to think about this trail coming all this way … and not having any more breaks in it where you have to go off and ride on the road. And especially during our busy summers. I’m a bicyclist myself and I love nothing more than riding on a bike trail and to keep riding for a very long time.”
Pingree noted she can’t wait to get a chance to ride this trail when it is all done.
She also noted that “this project is one of the ones from our fiscal year 2022 budget, which was an appropriations bill just recently signed by the President. It is the first time in ten years that we’ve brought back community project funding. That’s a project where a member of Congress has the ability to advocate for something in their district… It has to be a project that would fit into the funding cycle anyway… It has to be transparent… This is one of the ones that we really wanted to support because we believe in it. One thing that we’ve all learned during the pandemic… people want to be in outdoor spaces.”
Pingree was joined by members of Senator King’s office and Senator Collins’ office, who also represent this part of Maine and are all supportive of this project.
Visiting Maine Gets Better
Pingree added that the interest is only going to grow. “More and more people are moving to Maine because of our wonderful communities. They’re visiting Maine this summer, and these are the kinds of projects that make it even more appealing and make that experience for our communities even more wonderful. So, I’m really excited to have been able to be part of this. You know, it’s really important to me!”
She concluded by saying she was also excited because she has never gotten to go to an event before and hand over a really big check, “and just for accuracy, even though it says United States treasury, I really don’t get to sign it.”
In other Eastern Trail news…
The Gap project that will provide a 1.6-mile connection between existing trail in South Portland and Scarborough awaits an easement with a single landowner. Once that is complete, the project can go out to bid. Kachmar, both communities, and the MaineDOT are hopeful that will happen this year.
The Eastern Trail Alliance welcomes the completion of a feasibility study on a section of the future trail between Kennebunk and North Berwick. Engineering firm VHB was retained several months ago to examine a section of the 11-mile project in greater detail, provide a technical perspective, and develop cost estimates.
A second feasibility study will be complete in June: a detailed look at closing the gap between Biddeford and Saco. A temporary on-road section has existed for several years, including a crossing of the Saco River. This study has included public meetings, a walk of the proposed off-road trail, and meetings with landowners.
Upcoming events to add to your Eastern Trail calendar:
- The John Andrews 5K is scheduled for Jun 4th at the Mill Brook Business Park trailhead in Saco. FMI: go to https://www.easterntrail.org/andrews5K/.
- The Maine Lighthouse Ride, the ETA’s premier fundraising event, will be back for its 19th year on September 10th, the Saturday after Labor Day. Registration is open, with 25-, 40-, 62- and 100-mile ride options. Beer, food, swag, and your chance to enjoy views of nine Maine lighthouses during Maine’s most picturesque bike ride. FMI: go to www.easterntrail.org.
About the Authors
Nancy Dorrans is a professional travel expert and founded Adventure Marketplace in 2014.
Bob Hamblen is a retired city planner and a past president of both the Eastern Trail Alliance and the Eastern Trail Management District. Bob is a member of the newly created Saco Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He serves on the Maine Trails Coalition Leadership Council and the York County Trails group.
