Senator Collins Attends Brewer Riverwalk Grand Opening Festival
Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Sen. Collins at the Brewer Ribbon Cutting
Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Sen. Collins with City Councilors Kevin McConnell and Jerry Goss
Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Sen. Collins with Brewer City Manager Steve Bost and Mayor Bev Uhlenhake
Brewer, ME — U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the Brewer Riverwalk Grand Opening Festival today during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Members of the community, local leaders, and stakeholders were also in attendance.
“The Brewer Riverwalk builds on our history and expresses our confidence in the future. It provides a place of beauty and tranquility that connects us to the natural environment we cherish,” said Senator Collins. “Today’s festivities emphasize its ability to bring friends and families together. From the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge to the Veterans Memorial Bridge, this new section reminds us of the heroes who defended our nation and our freedom.”
“Just as important, this Riverwalk demonstrates that the citizens and civic leaders of Brewer work together to move their city forward. It is remarkable that this wonderful project started 20 years ago with the need to control erosion and grew into a lasting source of pride for the people of this community,” Senator Collins continued. “Thanks to your hard work, determination, and cooperation, this achievement will enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike for generations to come.”
The festival also included a fun run/walk on the trail, food trucks, face painting, live music, and more. It celebrated the conclusion of a decades-long effort to redevelop the area, which began as an attempt by the city to shore up erosion along the Penobscot River.
The nearly one-mile Brewer Riverwalk stretches from Mason's Brewing Company to Veteran’s Park on Penobscot Street. Completed in 2013, Phase 1 of the Riverwalk included trail construction and shoreline restoration. The newest part of the trail, Phase 2, almost doubles the length of the walk, going under the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge along the shore to Veteran's Park.
Senator Collins supported funding for both phases of the Riverwalk project, which was allocated through the 2005 Highway Reauthorization Bill, also known as SAFETEA-LU.
