Morning Sentinel | Taylor Abbott

Organizers of the project, formerly known as Run of River, say the money will allow for greater public access along the banks of the Kennebec River downtown, including a promenade and riverside seating.

SKOWHEGAN — A whitewater park project planned for the Kennebec River in downtown Skowhegan is scheduled to receive $2 million in federal support, a financial boost that will allow officials to move forward with greater river access for the public.

The Skowhegan River Park, formerly known as Run of River, is set to receive the money under a federal Transportation and Housing Appropriations bill to support construction projects. It was one of 105 projects across Maine earmarked for funding. The package passed 68-31 in the Senate last week and was signed into law Tuesday by President Joe Biden.

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District, also had a request approved under the bill for $1 million for the town of Madison to construct and operate an anaerobic digester that would turn organic feed stock into biogas.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled or thankful for the support of Skowhegan’s River Park,” said Kristina Cannon, executive director of Main Street Skowhegan. “River parks are proven tools for community development, as evidenced by dozens of others around the country.”

The plan, she said, is to use the money to construct riverside seating, paved walkways and access trails, a riverfront promenade and other improvements.

Read the full story here: https://www.centralmaine.com/2022/03/15/skowhegan-river-park-project-receives-2-million-in-federal-money/