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Rangeley hears update on Scenic Highways gateway grant project; DOT urging prompt commitment
Summary
Town staff updated the Rangeley Select Board on a DOT-backed Scenic Highways grant to build gateway connections, pedestrian walkways, wayfinding and kiosks; board members narrowed scope and discussed underground conduit for future street lighting but declined committing funds for electric vehicle chargers now.
At a public hearing May 19, the Rangeley Select Board heard an update on a Scenic Highways grant project that would plan, design, engineer and construct two gateway connections, off-road vehicle and trailer access, pedestrian walkways, wayfinding signs and interpretive kiosks along the corridor adjacent to the state byway.
Town staff member Joe, who presented the update, said the design phase is ongoing with consultant Ryan Pierce and representatives from the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT is pushing for an earlier funding commitment — June or early July — rather than the project's original September 2025 commit deadline, because federal funding availability is uncertain. Joe told the board that some original design elements, such as work behind Depot Street, were removed from the scope because they would exceed the budget and likely require environmental study that would slow the schedule.
Board members discussed bid alternates that DOT may or may not fund. Joe said the base bid will be for the core project and that bid alternates could include underground electrical conduit (to make future street lights or chargers easier to add), kiosks, and additional plantings. Board members agreed to limit the town’s current commitment to conduit for future lighting and other safety-related infrastructure but not to actively pay for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at this time. One selectboard member said the board had previously decided not to fund EV charging infrastructure in town parking areas, and preferred that private property owners install and pay for chargers if desired.
The board closed the public hearing after the update. Joe said the project remains on schedule for design work this year and anticipated construction in 2026 if funds and DOT commitments proceed as expected.
