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Auburn outlines $39 million Riverwalk expansion and $3.5 million Littlefield Dam removal
Summary
Public services director Eric Cousins updated the council on a $39 million Riverwalk extension (20% local match) and a federally funded $3.5 million Littlefield Dam removal that would open roughly 8,000 acres of upstream habitat and advance regional trail connectivity; councilors pressed staff on match funding and relicensing negotiations.
City staff gave an overview of planned river and trail projects and hydropower relicensing during the Dec. 15 council meeting, detailing funding, timelines and expected environmental benefits.
Eric Cousins, public services director, said the Riverwalk Trail extension is primarily funded by a $39 million grant that requires a roughly 20% local match; staff estimated the city's portion could be about $780,000 and proposed funding it through the capital-improvement program over two years. Cousins said the grant alignment is tied to the application but allows some flexibility in connections and crossings.
Cousins also described a federally funded Littlefield Dam removal project (about $3.5 million) now in design. He said removing the dam would restore free-flowing river conditions, create portage opportunities, and open roughly 8,000 acres of potential Atlantic salmon and river-herring habitat; consultants estimated about 3,500 cubic yards of concrete will be removed. He noted low-water surveys exposed an older log-and-stone dam that the project team proposes to remove as well and said current estimates are within or slightly below budget.
On relicensing for the lower and upper Barker dams, staff said federal agencies have prescribed fish passage requirements and that the city is advocating for recreational improvements and a contribution from the relicensing applicant toward portage and maintenance costs. Cousins said the city requested $200,000 as part of relicensing comments to secure applicant participation in access and recreation improvements as well as long-term maintenance commitments.
Councilors raised safety and routing concerns for the trail alignment, especially where it would cross Washington Street. Staff said the Reimagine Washington Street study and design alternatives will inform crossing strategies and that MaineDOT will be an advisory partner although not a primary funder under the current grant. Councilors also discussed private landowner constraints on the Barker Trail, options for volunteer improvements, and potential developer recreational-fee contributions to help meet matching requirements.
No formal approvals were taken at the presentation; Cousins said design and permitting work continues and that city staff will pursue multiple funding sources and partnerships to deliver the projects.
