Economic development committee backs letter supporting Madamic River trail grant

The Waldoboro Economic Development Committee authorized its leader to complete and send a letter of support for the Madamic River Community Park Trails grant application, endorsing the project’s concept and the committee’s participation in grant writing.

Committee members reviewed a draft letter and an accompanying map prepared by the Mid Coast Conservancy. The proposal requests roughly $100,000 from a main trails program; the committee noted a 10% match would be covered largely through in‑kind public works labor and materials. Members described a two‑tier trail design that includes a barrier‑free crushed‑stone segment built to accessibility guidelines and steeper natural‑surface sections for the remainder of the route. “We’re asking for about $100,000 from the main trails program grant,” a presenter said.

Speakers noted one short stretch exceeds a 5% grade, so the trail will not be entirely ADA‑compliant, but the committee discussed construction techniques (compacted crushed stone over geotextile) and width targets (8–10 feet) so emergency access is possible on the accessible section. The Mid Coast Conservancy provided GIS mapping to support the application, and the select board has been informed of the grant submission.

A motion authorizing the committee’s leader to fill out and send the letter of support was seconded and approved; the transcript records five members voting in favor. Members said the funding would support early phases of a larger park plan that has been discussed for years and could leverage additional fundraising and volunteer contributions.

Next steps: the leader will finalize the letter, staff will ensure grant documents and match commitments are in order, and the project will proceed to any select‑board approvals required for grant application submission.