Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $979,000 for the Lewiston Canal and Riverwalk Trail in the Fiscal Year 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. As the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins co-authored the bill.
The omnibus funding package passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29. It will now be passed by the House before heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“The Lewiston Canal and Riverwalk has been a key piece of the city’s revitalization and provides an excellent opportunity for local residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Androscoggin River,” said Senator Collins. “By extending this path, this funding will build on this success and provide more transportation and recreational opportunities in the city.”
“The Riverfront Island Master Plan is a significant revitalization initiative for the City of Lewiston,” said Shelley Norton, City of Lewiston’s Deputy Planning Director. “Funding for this project will further implementation of the vision of the Plan and we are grateful to have Senator Collins’ support for this project.”
The funding will be used to support the expansion of Lewiston’s multi-use riverfront trail to link the new Auburn Village Center and Lewiston’s Little Canada neighborhood, as recommended in the City’s 2012 Riverfront Island Master Plan. This new section of trail will assist with redevelopment of the Continental Mill, a 650,000 sq. ft. former mill, as well as facilitate improved connections for downtown residents.
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