By Bill Pearson, Piscataquis
Observer
Greenville, Maine -
Selectmen voted 4-0 on Nov. 6 to apply for separate grants that would improve
all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile access to Moosehead
Lake and the downtown section. The town is applying for a
recreational trail grant through the state Department of Conservation, Forestry
and Agriculture for federal funds to construct a snowmobile trail around the
lake.
The second
grant would fund a separate ATV trail linking the interconnecting trails
system, or ITS, into the downtown area. The town is applying for both grants
with the assistance of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council. The
board heard a presentation about the two applications from PCEDC Community
Development Director Ken Woodbury, who believes the projects would create
economic development in the region.
He
described the grant for developing a connecting trail around Moosehead
Lake as the "missing link" for attracting more economic activity
during the winter. He also said the enhanced ATV trails would also provide a
similar boom during the summer months.
"Both of
these projects would improve economic activity around the lake and Greenville. These trails
will bring business to Greenville
which will fill the town's restaurants, shops and motels," Woodbury said.
Woodbury
plans on submitting both applications before Dec. 14. If the applications are
approved, the town would need to allow for trails to run across Varney, Drew
and East roads. The project would also need approval from Plum Creek to
construct along the company-owned property and improve sight lines along a
bridge.
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/11/14/news/greenville-applies-for-grant-to-improve-atv-snowmobile-access/
