So, unfortunately, the town of #BuxtonMaine said "No," to the #PedestrianWalkway and the additional cost, and so did #HollisMaine (at #MDOT's urging). Having a separate pedestrian walkway on this bridge would make it safer for EVERYONE -- and a lot of pedestrians and bicyclists use the bridge, as it is the way to get from one track of preserved land to another, and also the areas where local teens swim! The traffic on #Route202 on either side of the bridge is always going too fast, and there's a lot of large trucks and SUVs. Widening the bridge is not enough! (And yes, speed limits should be strictly enforced in this area, which includes an ice cream stand and a local library)!

I should probably contact #MainersForSmarterTransportation and #BicycleCoalitionOfMaine and let them know what's going on...

Article from 2020, which shows the existing bridge and how much it's used by young people, as it is a popular spot in the summer!

Salmon Falls Bridge to be redesigned to deter jumping
The bridge between Buxton and Hollis has long been popular with youth who leap from it into the Saco River, but a planned upgrade should put a stop to that risky pastime and make it safer for all, the state says.

by Robert Lowell
June 1, 2020
Original story:
https://www.pressherald.com/2020/06/01/salmon-falls-bridge-to-be-redesigned-to-deter-jumping/

Archived version:
Hollis-Buxton, Route 202, Salmon Falls Bridge

On-Demand Formal Public Meeting for replacing the Salmon Falls Bridge on Route 2020 over the Saco River at the Hollis-Buxton town line

"The Scope of Work for this project consists of a full replacement of the Salmon Falls Bridge. The preliminary scope of work that was presented at the preliminary public meeting in 2019 consisted of a deck and superstructure replacement while leaving the substructure (piers and abutments) in place since that component is in fair condition as opposed to the deck and superstructure, which are both in poor condition. After further design review, it was determined that a full replacement is a better and more cost-effective option in the long term, with reduced maintenance costs and an overall longer lifespan. The new bridge will have 5' shoulders, which accomplishes the request as noted at the preliminary meeting of providing for better bicyclist and pedestrian accommodations."

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/483457df232143ba94cdbf9fe8173724

Hollis-Buxton, Route 202, Salmon Falls Bridge

On-Demand Formal Public Meeting for replacing the Salmon Falls Bridge on Route 2020 over the Saco River at the Hollis-Buxton town line

"The Scope of Work for this project consists of a full replacement of the Salmon Falls Bridge. The preliminary scope of work that was presented at the preliminary public meeting in 2019 consisted of a deck and superstructure replacement while leaving the substructure (piers and abutments) in place since that component is in fair condition as opposed to the deck and superstructure, which are both in poor condition. After further design review, it was determined that a full replacement is a better and more cost-effective option in the long term, with reduced maintenance costs and an overall longer lifespan. The new bridge will have 5' shoulders, which accomplishes the request as noted at the preliminary meeting of providing for better bicyclist and pedestrian accommodations."

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/483457df232143ba94cdbf9fe8173724

Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System

Guidelines/Priorities for Sidewalks and Walkways
Introduction

"A 1.5-m- (5-ft-) wide shoulder is acceptable for pedestrians along low-volume roads"

Route 202 is NOT a low-volume road, by any means!

http://www.pedbikesafe.org/PEDSAFE/resources_guidelines_sidwalkswalkways.cfm

#IndianCellarPreserve #LandTrust #HikingTrails #SacoRiver #SalmonFalls #MaineDOT #Maine #SouthernMaine #SalmonFallsBridge

#Searsport information session addresses questions about offshore #WindPort

By Marleigha Clipston
Published: Aug. 13, 2024 at 9:11 PM EDT

SEARSPORT, Maine (WABI) - "The Searsport Select Board held an informational meeting with representatives from #MaineDOT and the Maine Port Authority to discuss the state’s proposed offshore wind port.

"At Tuesday night’s meeting the select board asked questions that were submitted ahead of time regarding the wind port and the impacts it would have on the area.

"In February, the state announced the preferred location for the wind port is #SearsIsland.

"Many residents have spoken out against the wind port being built on Sears Island suggesting #MackPoint as an alternative location.

"Representatives from the state say they are still very early in the process which will take years.

"'Local people should be listened to in this process and heard that we really need to have an undeveloped Island to go to and for the animals and plants,' said Chris Buchanan, Campaign to #ProtectSearsIsland.

“'You know, we talked about carbon sequestration, having mature ecology, like an intact ecosystem, is way more important than building out offshore wind. We could do that on industrial sites that already exist,' said Buchanan.

“'Its still an ongoing process. I mean, the permitting process here, we anticipate to take a minimum of two years. We hope to do that concurrently with the NEPA process,' said Matthew Burns, Maine Port Authority’s Executive Director.

“'And I mean, ultimately, you know, the final decision is to find the least #environmentally damaging, practical alternative. We’re committed to doing that. and have devoted a lot of resources to make sure we do right,' said Burns.

"Over 70 questions were submitted and many were not addressed due to time constraints.

"The town and the state plan to hold more meetings going forward."

https://www.wabi.tv/2024/08/14/searsport-information-session-addresses-questions-about-offshore-wind-port/

#ProtectSearsIsland #WindTerminal #SandDunes
#Searsport #ProtectWahsumkik #MackPoint #Wahsumkik
#EndangeredSpecies #ProtectTheDunes #GovernorJanetMills #ProtectTheForest #CorporateColonialism #Wassumkeag

#SearsIsland Study Area
#Wetland Delineation

#Photographs: August & September, 2023

Sears Island
Searsport, Maine 04974

https://www.maine.gov/mdot/grants/infra/docs/2024/env/Freshwater%20Wetland,%20Waterbodies,%20Vernal%20Pools%20Sears%20Island%20Wetland%20Delineation%20Rprt_VHB.pdf

#Nature #MDOT #MaineDOT #JanetMills #SaveTheWetlands #EndangeredSpecies #Wahsumkik #Searsport
#WindTurbines #ProtectTheForest #ProtectTheDunes #SaveSearsIsland #OffshoreWindFarm #ProtectWahsumkik #ProtectNature #MackPoint

#SpragueEnergy Unveils Alternative, Lower-Impact Plan for Floating #OffshoreWind at Its #MackPoint Terminal in #Maine

Harnessing Existing Infrastructure, Sequestering Tons of #Carbon Per Year and Protecting 100 Acres of Undisturbed Natural Habitat on and off #SearsIsland

June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire

"'Building a wind port on Sears Island means more than 75 acres of upland forest will be cleared, graded, and compacted. It also means filling 25 acres of pristine #PenobscotBay to extend the shoreline where a previously protected ocean sand dune is located,' said Rolf E. Olsen, vice president of #FriendsOfSearsIsland, a volunteer nonprofit organization that manages the conservation area on behalf of the people of Maine and supports the idea of a #WindPort in #Searsport.

"Olsen continued, 'That estimate by the State does not include the additional impact from a new and greatly expanded approach road and rail bed to get to the facility. This seriously damages the island's #ecological, recreational, and economic value. Re-developing Mack Point - which has thrived as an industrial site for more than a century - is a far better and less disruptive decision, and the State has previously stated that it meets the requirements for the port.'

"On April 24, the #MaineDOT issued a request for information seeking public input on Maine's commercial offshore wind solicitation approach and implementation. Public opinions should be emailed to geo@maine.gov before the June 21st deadline. More information is available on the Maine.gov website."

https://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2024/06/06/10024531.htm

#ProtectNature #Nature #GulfOfMaine #Environment #EndangeredSpecies #ProtectSearsIsland #WindTerminal #SandDunes
#ProtectWahsumkik #Wahsumkik
#EndangeredSpecies #ProtectTheDunes #WabanakiAlliance #Wassumkeag #CorporateColonialism #PenobscotBay #Greenwashing #JanetMills

What this article doesn't mention is all the other plans to develop #SearsIsland, that are contingent on #MDOT's and #GovernorJanetMills getting their way!

[Paywall] The plans for #Maine’s floating #WindPort, explained

May 31, 2024

Why Sears Island?

"This question remains a big sticking point for what appears to be a number of local residents, some environmental organizations and midcoast advocacy groups, and those who are simply opposed to offshore wind development entirely.

"They argue that industrialized #MackPoint in #SearsportMaine is the best place for a wind port.

"'There’s such a sensible alternative 800 yards away — a 105-year-old working port, with a terminal operator that is ready, willing and able to take on the project and not to jeopardize their other operations,' said #DavidItaliaander, a Searsport resident and board member for #FriendsOfSearsIsland. The group maintains the island’s vast network of trails.

"#SpragueEnergy owns Mack Point and appears to be making its own push to host the state’s wind port. The company has said that its existing #industrial #waterfront could be repurposed to support Maine’s plans. And Sprague said it has a new alternative plan that addresses some of the concerns the state has identified.

"But there is a coalition of other conservation organizations, labor groups, the Maine Chamber of Commerce and others that want to see Sears Island redeveloped as a wind port and support the state’s plan.

"Maine DOT already owns the land that it wants to develop. The state also says that Sears Island wouldn’t require dredging, but Sprague has said those requirements would be reduced under its new plan.
In the meantime, Italiaander and other Sears Island advocacy groups are poring through the details of DOT’s federal grant application.

"DOT, for example, has proposed relocating the Sears Island access road so it would cut through a corner of the #conservation area.

"That’s a concern, Italiaander said. Burns acknowledged that the land is protected and said the proposed road relocation is intended to better bifurcate the island into its two potential uses — port activity and recreation.

"The debate over Sears Island will ramp up in the coming weeks and months.

"Sprague Energy will host an event next month at the Mack Point terminal, where company leaders are expected to present their own alternative wind port design.

"And #MaineDOT is expected to release a much-anticipated analysis of alternative sites, which will include Mack Point."

https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/05/31/midcoast/midcoast-business/searsport-maine-floating-wind-port-explained/

#WindPort #GulfOfMaine #Environment #EndangeredSpecies #ProtectSearsIsland #WindTerminal #SandDunes
#Searsport #ProtectWahsumkik #Wahsumkik
#EndangeredSpecies #ProtectTheDunes #WabanakiAlliance #Wassumkeag #CorporateColonialism #PenobscotBay #Maine #ProtectSearsIsland #WindTerminal #SandDunes
#ProtectWahsumkik #Wahsumkik #CulturalGenocide #Greenwashing