High Peaks Alliance

Amount Appropriated?

$2.0M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

Recovery and Resilience\nThis project will build resiliency through investment in two key sectors: tourism and downtown development.\n\nEnvironmentally Sustainable Development\nThis project is also aligned with EDA\u2019s Environmentally Sustainable Development priority because it is located downtown. It also was identified as the \u201cmissing link\u201d in Farmington\u2019s Green Downtown Plan. And it was designed in consideration of climate change: the single-span bridge design will reduce the likelihood of washout.\n\nEquity\nAs an historically underserved rural area, Franklin County is home to a population that will benefit greatly from this project. According to the 2017 American Community Survey, 16.7% of the population have a disability; 24% of the adult population are over the age of 64. According to the World Health Organization, persons with disabilities worldwide have been disproportionately affected during this pandemic. By extending a local, accessible trail, this project will benefit these underserved demographic groups.\n\nWorkforce Development\nThis project aligns with EDA\u2019s Workforce Development priority by attracting employees to a geography that provides \u201cwell-paying, quality jobs\u201d through the university and other employers, such as Origin, and attracting more youth to recreate here, resulting in a boost to university enrollment and a future workforce pool.\n\nEconomic Impacts\nAs western Maine reinvents itself from a decline in forestry and manufacturing, it has shifted towards tourism and outdoor recreation. The addition of a multi-use bridge connecting the Whistle Stop Trail and downtown Farmington is expected to attract trail users and new residents. Specific estimated impacts include 11 new full-time jobs from visitor spending; increased visitation and spending, resulting in $861,356 annual output to the local economy; $103,765 of additional tax revenues; $1,525,833 in construction output; 21 direct and three indirect/induced construction jobs.