$732,000 Requested by Senator Collins for Walkable Houlton Included in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that $732,000 she requested for the Walkable Houlton project was included in the draft Fiscal Year 2022 Housing Appropriations bill that has been released by the Senate Appropriations Committee.  The legislation must still be voted upon by the full Senate and House.

Earlier this month, Senator Collins visited downtown Houlton to review the planned pedestrian improvements.

“Houlton’s Market Square is a beautiful destination and a focal point for the community,” said Senator Collins.  “The Walkable Houlton project will make it easier for seniors to get around downtown by eliminating tripping hazards, and it will increase safety for students by restoring curbs to clearly delineate roads and sidewalks.  The project will also renovate the Gateway Pedestrian Bridge, which has become a symbol for Houlton.”

As a service center community, Houlton’s roads and sidewalks have heightened use.  The Walkable Houlton Project would improve many of the sidewalks leading to the downtown that are in disrepair to the point of being dangerous, including those leading to Houlton Middle/High School, the Summit Academy, and Greater Houlton Christian Academy.  In addition, the railing along the Gateway Crossing Pedestrian Bridge has sharp, peeling paint that requires repair.  The bridge provides access to Riverfront Park Trails and is frequently used by older residents who live in housing in Market Square.

Houlton was recently designated an Age Friendly Community by AARP, and this project aligns with the vision of ensuring that residents of all ages have easy, safe access to recreational activities as well as to downtown businesses.

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