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SKOWHEGAN — The town’s Run of River Committee has received a $15,000 grant from the Davis Conservation Foundation for the Run of River Whitewater Recreation Area.
Run of River will be a whitewater recreation area in and around the Kennebec River Gorge in downtown Skowhegan. It will include a whitewater park; an expanded and developed network of four-season, non-motorized trails; a riverfront promenade; pristine fishing waters with improved fish habitat; and a boathouse/events center.
“This grant will allow us to take next steps in making Run of River a reality,” said Kristina Cannon, campaign director for the Run of River Committee.
According to Cannon, the money will be used for required prepermitting activities, including consultation with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and with Brookfield, operators of the Weston hydroelectric project; site meetings with appropriate state and federal regulators; and a permitting plan summary and matrix, which will identify necessary permits and an estimated schedule and cost.
McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group (a whitewater park design firm) and Kleinschmidt Associates (a Somerset County-based firm specializing in environmental and engineering work with a focus on water and rivers) will lead the efforts, with assistance from the Run of River Committee.
A strategic community development project, Run of River is designed to diversify Skowhegan’s economy, spur business development and tourism, improve citizens’ health and wellness, engage local youth, and transform Skowhegan into a more vibrant cultural center.
The Run of River Committee is raising money for the recreation area in three phases. With the town of Skowhegan reserving $1.4 million for whitewater park construction, the committee has reached 25 percent of its goal for phase one and is now seeking grant money and private donations.
