|Casco Bay Trail Alliance|
This spring, the Maine Legislature authorized an interim trail on the 25-mile corridor from Portland to Danville Junction in Auburn, and Governor Mills signed it into law. “Interim” signifies that although the corridor will be preserved for future rail use as required by law, a bike or pedestrian trail can be constructed on the corridor.
This is a huge win and a big step forward for our vision of an off-road, multiuse trail that connects communities and allows people of all ages and abilities to safely enjoy the outdoors.
The first step is to establish a governing body that can work with the Maine Department of Transportation on planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining the trail. We are inspired by the Eastern Trail Management District that governs the Eastern Trail—and has been a huge success.
To achieve this goal, CBTA board members and Town Trail Builders are reaching out to municipalities along the corridor to discuss a draft agreement for the Casco Bay Trail Management District. If approved, the Casco Bay Trail Management District would consist of members appointed by their towns and a member appointed by the Casco Bay Trail Alliance. This entity would work with the Maine Department of Transportation on plans to design, construct and maintain the trail.
Pamela Fischer and Nate Reimensnyder are
CBTA Trail Builders for New Gloucester.
For more information about the Casco Bay Trail and to sign up for newsletters, see https://cascobaytrail.org/
