Skowhegan River Park

Questions about the Skowhegan River Park’s logistics, costs, and benefits often circulate through our community. Much of the information is buried in other project information that can be hard to read through. In an effort to be more transparent with our community, we’re launching a three-part blog series covering TIF money, tourism economics, and long-term park sustainability. Let’s start with the most common question: what are taxpayers contributing to this project? 

The price tag for phase one of the Skowhegan River Park, a Town of Skowhegan project, is often a hard pill to swallow for residents–and for a good reason: $7.8 million is a lot of money. It’s also hard for many residents to imagine how they will benefit from that expense. From recreational assets, expanded job opportunities, less out-migration of youth, and increased tax revenue, the Skowhegan River Park will be a tide that lifts all boats–but more on that in part two (coming soon). 

So where is this 7.8 million coming from, and who’s paying it? 

As the project lead, Main Street Skowhegan is in charge of fundraising and has secured funding from private donors, state and federal outdoor and economic recovery grants, and charitable foundations. The project has also received Town of Skowhegan Sappi TIF (Tax Incremental Fund) money, and there is a $1 million TIF pledge earmarked for future park construction. 

Many residents are unsure about how a business or organization can utilize the TIF and are concerned about the allocation of taxpayer dollars to this project. It’s important to clarify that while the TIF involves using taxpayer funds for the river park, these funds are not obtained through increased tax rates aimed at growing the TIF or river park use specifically. The Town of Skowhegan has two TIFs, the Downtown TIF and the Sappi TIF. They both work the same way, except the only contributor to the Sappi TIF is, Sappi. Let’s dive in on how a TIF works; how it’s funded and used. 

Imagine you live in an area that’s not doing so well. The buildings might be old, businesses might not be thriving, and the place could look more appealing. The town wants to make things better, but they need money to do it, this is where a Municipal TIF (Tax Incremental Fund) comes in.

Think of the TIF as a special money jar that the city creates for that specific situation. When the city decides to improve the area, they invest money to build new things like parks, beautification, and/or better buildings.

Property values tend to go up as the new stuff is built and the neighborhood improves. This means that the buildings and land in the neighborhood become more valuable, and the property taxes collected from those places also increase.

Here’s the key part: Instead of using all of that extra property tax money for regular city expenses, like schools or police, the city puts a portion of it into the TIF money jar. This extra money is called the “increment.” So, the neighborhood’s progress is helping to fill up this jar.

We know taxpayers contribute to the TIF, but which ones exactly? Only properties in the designated TIF district and benefit from TIF projects contribute. TIF is taxpayer money, but it’s not collected from all taxpayers. And with the the Sappi TIF specifically, only Sappi money is collected. You can see a map of Skowhegan’s TIF district here. 

Why and how do businesses and organizations get TIF funding? The answer is actually very simple: anyone in the TIF district can apply. TIF money is meant to support any project that will make the area even better.

When you apply for TIF money, you’re asking the city to use some of that extra money to help with your project but uou have to show the city how your project will improve the neighborhood – maybe by creating jobs, making it look nicer, or bringing in more businesses. If the city thinks your project will help, they can agree to award you TIF money.

It’s kind of like getting a special boost for your project. The TIF money can be used to help pay for things like building a new attraction, putting in better streetlights, or fixing up buildings. If your project gets approved, you can use this extra TIF money to make your big idea happen and make the neighborhood better at the same time!

The Skowhegan River Park has proven its potential to increase the quality of life and local economy (read more in our second blog post coming out soon), qualifying it to receive Sappi TIF money intended for the betterment of the community. 

If you have any questions about park funding, we invite you to review the many reports and studies we have published. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2023

Skowhegan, Maine—The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) has approved a $25,000 grant request from Main Street Skowhegan for construction of the Skowhegan River Park. MOHF Board voted to fully fund the request in their recent application review meeting in Augusta.

MOHF uses proceeds from the sale of a dedicated instant lottery ticket—currently Ca$h Lines—to support outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation projects across Maine. The river park was the top-scoring project among the pool of applicants in category 2: acquisition and management of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas, and public access and outdoor recreation sites and facilities.

“We are thrilled for the support from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund and the State of Maine,” said Kristina Cannon, Main Street Skowhegan executive director and fundraising chair of the Skowhegan River Park Committee. “Backing from state leaders who are dedicated to improving and expanding Maine’s natural resources is testament to the importance of the river park as a future outdoor recreation asset for not only our community, but also for the state.”

The Skowhegan River Park, formerly known as Run of River, is a community and economic development initiative that will redevelop Skowhegan’s industrial downtown river corridor into an accessible outdoor recreation asset with an expanded trail network and enhanced whitewater. Once completed, the park will feature enhanced whitewater waves—including the Northeast’s only adjustable wave—for paddling and river surfing—as well as an estimated 50 miles of multi-use trails accessible via the commercial district.

The river park will be free and open to the public, and paired with Main Street Skowhegan’s outdoor initiative, the Skowhegan Outdoors AmeriCorps Program, which offers no-cost trainings and outdoor gear for Somerset County residents, it will provide a number of accessible recreation opportunities for citizens in one of Maine’s poorest and least healthy counties.

It is also expected to be a major economic driver. Once constructed, the river park will be a go-to venue for whitewater paddling and surf competitions and events that will draw thousands of people to Maine annually. A 2016 economic impact study estimates $6 million in increased spending statewide in just the first year of operation, with an anticipated increase of $19 million statewide by year 10.

This is the second grant MOHF has awarded to Main Street Skowhegan for the Skowhegan River Park—the first was in 2019 for $24,090 to fund environmental permitting efforts. The initial grant was instrumental in continuing preliminary permitting activities. Since 2019, the Skowhegan River Park Committee—under the leadership of Cannon and Skowhegan Town Manager Christine Almand and in partnership with McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group—has collected and analyzed additional river data, developed a preliminary design report and design drawings, and hired an environmental engineering firm who prepared permit applications and is helping to coordinate the permitting process with state and federal agencies. The Town submitted an application for a Department of Army Permit to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 2022 and the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA) application to Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection in September 2022. The project team anticipates having environmental permits in-hand early this summer.

The first MOHF grant was also influential in leveraging additional funding for the project. Over the last few years, the municipality and Main Street Skowhegan have raised more than $7 million for the Skowhegan River Park project.

Cannon expects this year’s MOFH grant to again leverage additional funding. “We are fundraising to cover the remaining gap for the first phase of the project, which will include construction of the much-anticipated river surf wave as well as improved river access on the south side of the gorge, including an ADA river access ramp that will enable users with varying physical abilities to access the river. We are grateful to the MOHF board for believing in this project and bringing us another step closer to providing free and accessible river recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”

For more information, please visit SkowheganRiverPark.com or contact Kristina Cannon at Kristina@mainstreetskowhegan.org or 207-614-4078.

About the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) uses proceeds from the sale of a dedicated instant lottery ticket—currently Ca$h Lines—to support outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation projects across Maine. The Maine Legislature established MOHF in 1996 with LD 717 “An Act to Establish the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund” in response to a grassroots effort led by Maine Audubon and the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine while joined by many other environmental interested parties. MOHF’s sole purpose is “maintaining, improving and expanding state and local natural resource conservation programs and associated compatible public uses” in accordance with the MOHF Strategic Plan. For more information about MOHF, go to www.maine.gov/ifw/mohf.

About Main Street Skowhegan

Main Street Skowhegan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on the ongoing revitalization of historic Skowhegan, Maine. Our mission is to celebrate Skowhegan’s rich heritage while achieving our brightest future as a thriving economic, cultural, and recreational community where residents enjoy a high quality of life. Learn more at MainStreetSkowhegan.org. 

Morning Sentinel, April 7, 2023
by Zara Norman

SKOWHEGAN — Several projects are moving forward that town officials hope will position Skowhegan as a regional destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Those efforts include the much-touted downtown Skowhegan River Park along the Kennebec River, a free outdoor gear rental program and the construction of a 50-mile trail system that officials said is expected to boost the local economy and encourage people who enjoy the outdoors to visit and even settle in Skowhegan.

Kristina Cannon, executive director of Main Street Skowhegan, said Wednesday the organization has identified the outdoor recreation industry and food and beverage businesses as among the town’s primary areas for economic growth in the coming years.

“Building infrastructure is one part of the process,” Cannon wrote in an email. “Offering programming and skill-building workshops is also critical to help achieve community transformation through outdoor recreation.”

In an effort to keep the momentum going, Maine Street Skowhegan is partnering with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University and others to host an Outdoor Rec & Tech Summit this week, culminating Friday with a $3,000 pitch competition.

“This type of programming from The Roux Institute supports innovation in the outdoor industry that helps to grow the outdoor recreation economy and entrepreneurial spirit in Maine,” Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, said in a statement.

The Roux Institute has run similar summits in Waterville, Lewiston and Portland, and Cannon said participants this week will work in groups to solve challenges facing the outdoor recreation industry in Maine. She said 30 to 40 people are registered for the event.

A 2021 market analysis conducted by an economic development consulting firm for Main Street Skowhegan found the outdoor recreation industry accounts for 4.4% of jobs in town. Cannon said the town’s largest employer in that field is New Balance, a company that has plans to add 200 jobs at its Skowhegan facility.

Outdoor recreation makes up about 5% of Maine’s economy, which is more than double the national average, according to the 2021 report.

Cannon said she hopes more industry employers will be drawn to Skowhegan in the coming years as the town invests in downtown infrastructure and development projects valued at $650 million.

Efforts to increase regional broadband access could also attract employers to the town, said Jeff Hewett, Skowhegan’s director of economic and community development. By settling in Skowhegan, outdoor enthusiasts and businesses can enjoy remote regions of Maine without the worry of losing online access, he said.

River Park is a primary project that officials hope will draw visitors. The $17.2 million project will transform the portion of the Kennebec River that runs through the downtown area. It is now largely inaccessible to the public, but the plan is to transform it with enhanced whitewater features, audience seating and green space along the banks.

https://www.centralmaine.com/2023/04/05/skowhegan-pushes-to-position-itself-as-destination-for-outdoor-enthusiasts/ 

Bangor Daily News | January 30, 2023
Reporter: Valerie Royzman

SKOWHEGAN, Maine — From major expansions at New Balance and Sappi to Maine’s first whitewater park, Skowhegan is expected to see about $650 million of investment in the next three years.

The Somerset County town, which has 8,620 people, 2020 census data show, hasn’t experienced such momentum in decades, according to town officials.

It’s difficult to pinpoint why such substantial public and private investment is coming to Skowhegan, but developers and others see potential in the rural town’s assets, like a historic mill getting a $15 million facelift. More big-picture planning that considers the effects of development is happening, town officials said. And projects that were discussed and made little progress over the years, such as the $12 million Skowhegan River Park, are finally converging.

For Skowhegan’s residents, this means more jobs and chances to be involved in shaping the community, said Jeff Hewett, the town’s director of economic and community development. Community leaders hope the investments bring more jobs, activities and businesses to keep people in the area. 

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Melvin Burnham, a resident and retired director of the Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center. “The town has gotten to a place where it’s being noticed and sees potential for growth and for the fact that we have good, working people.”

Skowhegan has long been known for its shoemakers and workers at textile and paper mills, said Burnham, who now works as a consultant and on special historical projects. Hard-working people are still there, and improvements coming in the next several years should boost their lives and the local economy, he said.

Of the projects totaling about $650 million, Sappi’s $418 million investment to boost the production of packing and speciality papers at its Somerset Mill is the largest. 

The company has consistently invested in its mill, which is one of its premier facilities in the country, and the move is driven by market demand, Hewett said.

The same is true for New Balance, which wants to spend an estimated $65 million to expand its operations with a 120,000-square-foot addition to its factory that would bring 200 jobs to Skowhegan.

“They have tremendous demand for their products right now,” Hewett said. “We’ve been talking about this project for at least 15 years. It’s taken a long time to get to this point, and we’re hoping they can pull the trigger on that project.”

Other projects and their approximate costs include a new $75.4 million elementary school projected to open in August 2025 and a $1.6 million early childhood center; Maine Grains CEO Amber Lambke’s $15 million multi-use building project; a $10.5 million broadband expansion; an $8.5 million public safety building; $5.4 million affordable housing apartments on Mary Street; and four solar projects in different phases totaling a little more than $23 million.

Amber Lambke, co-founder and president of Maine Grains in Skowhegan, with an Osttiroler Getreidemuehlen Green grist mill from Austria used to grind flour and oats for artisan breads and other food. Credit: Courtesy of Maine Grains

Hewett also noted projects such as Austin Associates’ $330,000 remodeling of its space on Madison Avenue and a $160,000 traffic study that is part of the Village Partnership Initiative. There are smaller projects in various stages around town not included in the $650 million and whose costs are unknown.

“We have worked very hard the past 20 years on trying to find ways to help businesses and grow demand for the area,” Hewett said, pointing out walking trails along the Kennebec River as an example of a project benefitting residents.

Town Manager Christine Almand and Select Board member Steve Govoni, who is president and senior project engineer at Wentworth Partners & Associates, have noticed more people with connections to Skowhegan are returning home, which could be a factor in the investment. Some are newcomers interested in starting businesses or remodeling spaces, they said.

“Our well-educated kids are coming home,” Govoni said. “They’ve been in the cities, they’ve worked in the cities and it’s not where they want to raise their families. They’re seeing a depressed community here, and they’re not accepting that.”

Skowhegan’s population hasn’t grown much in the last 10 years, according to U.S. census data. But Govoni and Almand pointed to Kristina Cannon, Main Street Skowhegan’s executive director, and Sam Hight, who owns Hight Ford in Skowhegan and Hight Chevrolet in Farmington, among others who moved back to Skowhegan and brought energy to large projects.

Hailey Howard started as the Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce’s new executive director this month. She grew up in town and graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 2013, moved away for college and job opportunities, and returned in 2018.

It’s refreshing to see a core group of people from ages 20s to 40s working together to improve Skowhegan, which has been lacking in recent years, Govoni said. Now Skowhegan has vibrancy, and is beginning to reach the rewards of long-discussed projects, he said.

For example, Brad Moll, who owns Brickyard Hollow Brewing Co. with locations in southern Maine, is a Skowhegan native who decided to open a restaurant in his hometown. The business there previously was open only a few days per week, Hewett said, but now it operates seven days and has created jobs.

“We have a lot of key anchor businesses here,” Almand said, referring to Sappi, New Balance and Redington-Fairview General Hospital. “But also that energy moving into the future.”

Town officials also are thinking about how to ensure that a range of projects and revitalization efforts harmonize in the coming years. For example, there were discussions with the Maine Department of Transportation about building a second bridge in town, but local leaders asked the agency to take a step back and look at projects more comprehensively, Almand said.

The town is working with a consultant on the Village Partnership Initiative to study vehicle and pedestrian movement and riverfront development, in hopes of acquiring federal funds to make improvements, she said.

“You need to consider not just the project, but everything happening around it,” Hewett said, pointing to parking and traffic patterns. “You don’t want to waste your funding and public support.”

Skowhegan has a rich past, and it’s challenging to compare today’s investments to a particular timeframe throughout history, several people involved with the History House said.

From about the 1860s to 1930 was a crucial period of growth and industrialization for the town, Burnham said. The world operated differently and projects didn’t cost what they do now, but that was a vital time of building infrastructure and other advancements, he said.

In Almand’s eight years as town manager, she has never seen such a shift in Skowhegan, and longtime residents have told her the same.

“It’s definitely unprecedented, in my lifetime, to see the amount of progress that Skowhegan is making right now,” she said.

This project will boost the outdoor recreation and local tourism industry by bringing new visitors to the city, its businesses, and local attractions. The EDA investment will be matched with $1.2 million in local funds and is expected to create 40 jobs, retain 136 jobs and generate $38 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector as it works to recover and rebuild following the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will boost the local tourism industry while promoting job creation and business expansion.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide a unique opportunity to expand the capacity of visitors to experience Maine’s natural splendor, while supporting business expansion and promoting economic resiliency.”

“Whether you use them for hiking, biking, or just as a quiet place to relax, outdoor spaces are a valuable resource for any community,” said Senator Angus King. “With this investment from the American Rescue Plan, the Skowhegan River Park will attract visitors from far and wide – bringing new economic activity to the town, and supporting already existing businesses. This recreation area will be a much-needed source of revenue for the region and another great outdoor option for Maine people. We’re grateful for this new funding from the Economic Development Administration, and look forward to seeing the impact the Skowhegan River Park will make across Western Maine.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

https://eda.gov/news/press-releases/2022/07/26/skowhegan-me.htm

Fox22 ABC 7 | Joe Cortese

SKOWHEGAN — A 20-year project in Skowhegan received a financial boost from the federal government.

Formerly known as Run of River, the Skowhegan River Park is set to receive $2 million in federal funding.

Years ago, the town decided it wanted to give the public greater access to the Kennebec River and that’s where the idea for a white water park came into play.

Executive Director for Main Street Skowhegan Kristina Cannon said, “They did a feasibility study, and lo and behold we have enough drop and velocity in the water to sustain something like that.”

Cannon said in addition to the project being a community benefit, they expect it will bring in visitors and new residents that will help bolster the workforce.

The project will include water-recreation features like whitewater paddling, surfing, body boarding, standup paddleboarding, and tubing.

“The entire Skowhegan River Park is going to be free to use to anyone,” said Cannon. “We’re really just excited to provide outdoor recreation and a beautiful downtown for people to come and enjoy.”

Cannon said while visiting different parks around the states she was amazed by the impact it directly had on the community.

“The Town Manager, Christine Almand, and I have traveled out west and down south visiting some of these white water parks and it’s just amazing to see in addition to people out using their river,” said Cannon.

“The riverfront development that has happened and really the community and economic development that has come as a result.”

A stairway to the river from the downtown area will give the public access to the full park experience.

Additionally, 50 miles of trails are being planned in the greater Skowhegan area.

“I’m excited to see the riverfront developed into something more than just chain-linked fences and dumpsters,” said Cannon.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the white water rapids controlled by an adjustable metal plate at the bottom of the river.

“It’ll use actual vegetable oil to move it, it’s a pretty cool thing and sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

Cannon said there will be a public engagement meeting in the coming months and more funds could be on the way.

See the full story here: https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/skowhegan-river-project-gets-a-financial-boost/

Eli Soll hopes a new water park planned for the Kennebec River in downtown Skowhegan will become an attraction for local families and a tool for recruiting workers to the area.

“We’re the gateway to the Great North Woods but we don’t have that one thing,” he said last week while standing on a bridge above the raging river below. “Having a river park might be a determining factor for somebody.”

The Skowhegan River Park — formerly known as Run of River — is an idea that’s been around town for 20 years, said Town Manager Christine Almand. But the recent infusion of a $2 million federal grant, one of dozens of projects statewide to benefit from the earmarks in the federal budget, means the project will get underway this summer.

Read full story here: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/me/maine/news/2022/03/29/federal-grant-boosts-skowhegan-water-park 

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/

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that she secured $2,000,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation and Housing Appropriations bill to support construction of Skowhegan’s Run of River project.  Senator Collins is the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee.  

The omnibus funding package passed the House and the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Run of River is a visionary project that aims to utilize one of Skowhegan’s greatest assets—the Kennebec River—to help transform and revitalize downtown,” said Senator Collins.  “Once completed, this project will make Skowhegan a destination and help draw new visitors to the region.  I strongly advocated for this investment, which will help to spur economy activity in Skowhegan.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled or thankful for the support of Skowhegan’s river park,” said Kristina Cannon, Run of River Committee Member and Main Street Skowhegan Executive Director.  “River parks are proven tools for community development, as evidenced by dozens of others around the country. River revitalization projects in downtowns and urban corridors—like Skowhegan’s river park—have positively impacted communities by connecting people to nature through outdoor recreation and creating economic prosperity by attracting tourists, businesses, and new residents.  We are so grateful to Senator Collins and her team for their support of this transformative rural Maine project.”

Skowhegan will use this funding Senator Collins secured to construct shoreline seating, paved walkways and access trails, a riverfront promenade, and other infrastructure improvements to support the Run of River project.

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