RUMFORD — The Board of Selectmen is considering improvements to the Androscoggin River boat launch and the area around it.
“We talked about it every year for the last three or four years, but it would be nice to do something with that,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Greg Buccina said. “I think we could utilize some money from economic development. I don’t think it would be a huge project, but maybe something we could look at.”
The launch is on Route 2.
“I don’t think the Public Works Department is going to have the time to be able to do anything,” he said, suggesting bids be sought. Once the water level drops, the ramp could be turned so that it goes into the river with the water flow, not against it. “And maybe making it a little more appealing and a place where people can go and sit and have lunch, kayak and do some things,” he said.
“We talk about economic development,” Buccina said. “We’ve got a lot of things out there on the horizon. The river is really something we need to start capitalizing on and who knows what will come out of it.”
Town Manager John Madigan said that when Public Works Superintendent Andy Russell presented his paving plan, the parking lot to the boat launch was on it.
Selectman Brad Adley suggested the board draft a letter to state Rep. Matt Peterson “just to see if there’s anything out there for access to our waterways. Maybe there’s a program with grant money. It’s worth a shot.”
bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net
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