Maine to get $74,000 to fund scenic byways

WASHINGTON – The Maine Department of Transportation will receive a total of $74,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the federal Scenic Byways program, according to U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud.

The Old Canada Road, the Schoodic Scenic Byway and the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway will receive $24,000, $25,000 and $25,000 respectively.

“The money from these grants will help preserve the historical, cultural and natural beauty these byways have to offer – and help to attract tourist dollars,” said Michaud, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The grant for the Old Canada Road, which runs from Route 201 in Solon to the Canadian border, will be used to integrate the byway into the communities through which it passes. The grant will also allow the Old Canada Road Byway Inc. to work with local governments, partner organizations and volunteers to implement specific goals.

The grant for the Schoodic Scenic Byway, which includes Route 1 and Route 186, will be used to continue building local capacity to implement the Schoodic Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan. The grant money will be used for research, supporting travel on the byway and the planning and implementation of the Corridor Management Plan Objectives.