RANGELEY – Since 2001, the Rangeley Lakes Scenic National Byway has received over $5 million in federal funding and has generated nearly $20 million in economic activity to enhance the byway for visitors and residents alike.
With its new overlook at the iconic Height of Land, its year-round public restrooms in Rangeley and Oquossoc villages, and its improvements at additional turnouts, the byway has become an awe-inspiring destination and economic driver to be enjoyed by all. Over the last decade, Scenic Byways grants have allowed Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, which serves as the fiscal agent for the program, to support the work of Rebecca Kurtz, the local byways coordinator, in seeking the funding for these projects and overseeing their completion.
In 2012, the Byway received an additional grant that will insure its ability to continue giving back to the community. The grant provides funding to revise the Byway’s Corridor Partnership Plan (the byway’s blueprint or guidance document) to better serve our visitors, local businesses and hard working families.
According to Kurtz, the original plan was created nearly 14 years ago through the enthusiastic, creative, and visionary efforts of a dedicated group of stakeholders. This year a new group of stakeholders and businesses will convene to review the current plan, goals, and accomplishments to date. Then the stakeholders will develop strategies to improve the visitor’s experience in Rangeley, increase the average length of stay, and insure his/her return year after year. They will also devise ways to promote the Byway to a larger audience. In the process, the group will start functioning as a network that works together for the benefit of all involved to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life for Rangeley’s hardworking families.
Two weeks ago, the Byway, RLHT, the Chamber, MaineDOT, and an independent consultant held the first of several public meetings to kick-start this exciting process. The meeting was attended by a small but engaged group of stakeholders representing businesses, local governments, and non-profits. During the meeting, the group learned about the Byway’s accomplishments and how the plan will be revised. Participants were encouraged to think about how the Byway can be developed to support the entire community and its visitors. The group asked lots of great questions, made several suggestions and indicated a tremendous amount of support for the project.
To secure more input and support from the local community the byway and its partners at RLHT, the Chamber and MaineDOT will host three more meetings before June 30. The next meeting is scheduled for April 5 at 5 p.m. at the Rangeley Town Office. Over the summer the partners will organize all the public input and suggestions. And by early fall, a draft plan will be rolled out for additional public comment and input. The goal is to complete the plan by the end of the year so that implementation can begin in 2013.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend these important meetings. If you cannot make it to a meetings, but want to share your thoughts or ideas, please call or forward them to Rebecca Kurtz, Scenic Byway Coordinator (864-7311 ext 5 / rkurtz@rlht.org) or Judy Morton, Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce (judy@rangeleymaine.com / 864-5771) .
Thank you Rebecca and tthe RLHT for your continued efforts to promote the area and to attract visitors. best of luck with continued Scenic Byway enhacements.