Monthly: June 2023

Bikers in front of the U.S. Capitol
Latest News

$4 Million Grant Builds on Funding Rep. Pingree Secured to Expand Eastern Trail

For Immediate Release: June 27, 2023
Media Contact: Victoria Bonney, 202-577-8541

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today welcomed $4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the Eastern Trail in Southern Maine. The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, builds on the Congressionally directed funding Pingree secured for the Eastern Trail’s “Blaze the Trail South” project in the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations bill.

“The Eastern Trail supports local economies and fosters a safe, sustainable route through some of southern Maine’s most populated areas,” said Pingree. “I was proud to secure the funding Maine DOT needed to get this project started with sound engineering, planning, and design. With this additional federal grant, we’ll be hitting the trail in no time!”

The RAISE grant will go towards the construction of approximately 2.7 miles of off-road trail that continues the expansion of the Eastern Trail from Kennebunk to North Berwick, supporting the development of an active transportation corridor and recreational trail that offers significant social, economic, and environmental benefits.

The Eastern Trail is the Southern Maine portion of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway that traverses the East Coast between Calais, Maine and Key West, Fla. Based on a 2021 economic impact analysis, there are 250,000 people using the trail annually, and each user spends an average of $118 per day. The trail also supports 364 jobs across the state, $12.5 million in earnings and $32.1 million in sales, with most sales coming from overnight lodging, food and drink, and retail items.

When complete, Blaze the Trail South will add 25 miles of off-road trail connecting 7 communities from Kennebunk to Kittery in one of the most densely populated regions in the state (York County). This will provide a safe and convenient facility for bicycle commuters, recreational riders, walkers, runners, and wheelchair users for transportation, health, and outdoor enjoyment.

Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Among the Trees Beer label
Latest News

Announcing the new Eastern Trail Beer from Banded Brewing Company

Banded Brewing LogoWe are pleased to announce the Eastern Trail Beer from Banded Brewing Company.

“Among the Trees” is a new draft-only Amber Ale with Toasted Birch Bark! Refreshing yet complex with warming spices and earthy herbs.

$1 off every pour goes to support the Eastern Trail$1 from each draft sold in Banded Brewing Co.’s two tasting rooms will support the Eastern Trail Alliance. These are:

  • Flagship location in Biddeford’s Pepperell Mill
  • 82 Hanover Street in Portland

The new beer was unveiled on Saturday, June 24 after our first 2023 Bike and Brew ride

Enjoy this new beverage and provide support to the Eastern Trail while you do!

Trail construction
Latest News

Eastern Trail Building Campaigns Update

ET Campaign Overview MapThe Eastern Trail has a tremendous amount of trail expansion work underway. This is all possible due to our amazing donors and staff at the Eastern Trail. We now have every mile between Bug Light and the Kittery border under some form of feasibility study, engineering design, or construction work. See  below for a list of this exciting work.

More detail on all of these campaigns can be viewed here.

Close the Gap – Scarborough to South Portland, 1.6 miles

  • Ready for construction
  • Construction bid Aug 30, 2023

Over the River – Biddeford/Saco, 3 miles

  • Feasibility complete, pending engineering design
  • Seeking engineering design funds

Blaze the Trail South – Kennebunk, Wells, N. Berwick, 11 miles

  • Feasibility complete, engineering funded
  • Engineering design bid Fall 2023

Berwicks to the Border – South Berwick, Eliot, York, and Kittery, 16 miles

  • Feasibility begins summer 2023
  • Feasibility completed 2025
Jim Munroe bench
Latest News

Trail Bench Installed to Honor Jim Munroe, longtime ET Advocate

Jim MunroeA new bench was recently installed in Scarborough near the Old Blue Point kiosk in honor of Jim Munroe, a dedicated trail advocate who passed away in April 2020. Jim was a long time member of the Eastern Trail Alliance board and left part of his estate to the Eastern Trail. The City of Saco, the Eastern Trail Alliance, and the trustees of Jim’s estate collaborated to place a bench at this location.

A small gathering was held June 5 to celebrate Jim Munroe’s generous donation to the Eastern Trail.

In addition to supporting the trail, Jim supported local musicians and donated his immense vintage rock and roll vinyl and posters to a young, aspiring DJ in the Saco/Bidd area.

You can read his obituary here.

Think of Jim and his generous support for the Eastern Trail when you pass or take a brief rest on his bench!

Jim Munroe bench
People gathered at the bench donated by Jim Munro
https://www.easterntrail.org/