Setting the Course for the Androscoggin River and bicycle-pedestrian access in Lewiston-Auburn

January 17, 2012

More than 50 people gathered Thursday evening at the Hilton Garden Auburn Riverwatch Hotel to sort through dozens of improvement projects from pathways, portages and signs to crosswalks and bicycle lanes aimed at creating a river-going network. 

“The session was part of a series of meetings aimed at focusing attention on the river and how the local community might encourage its use. Last fall, people met five times to walk the riverside parks and examine the way the cities interact with the river. It led to a five-page list of possible improvements, from widening the paths at West Pitch Park in Auburn to adding bike lanes on Longley Bridge and building a bridge across the Little Androscoggin River to connect a pair of trails.

 The money for some changes may soon be available. A new federal report highlighted the Androscoggin area as one of seven natural corridors in New England that needs and deserves help. Last week, the report's author, Richard Barringer, said the Androscoggin might be a beneficiary of federal money.

However, the communities along the river will have to create clear plans for improvement.  Comments at Thursday's meeting will be used to help create priorities for river-related improvements, said Jonathan LaBonte, the Androscoggin Land Trust's executive director. Another meeting will be held this spring to go over a draft of those priorities.”

If you would like a PDF of the presentation please email Margi Huber at the Androscoggin Land Trust mhuber@androscogginlandtrust.org