Western Maine Regional Capital I. mprovement Plan

Transcription

1 Western Maine Regional Capital I mprovement Plan June 2006 Revised January 2009

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3 AVCOG Region Vision Statement Our shared vision for the tri-county area is a place of quality and natural beauty that offers an excellent residential and business environment with a healthy and stable economy that meets the varied and changing needs of the region. To that end, the region will have: adequate infrastructure (i.e., telecommunications and transportation) to support economic development; quality job opportunities; educational opportunities for all ages; strong partnership between communities; bustling downtowns; suitable development in all parts of the region; high environmental quality; and youth opportunities The tri-county will be a place where people can live and prosper and want to spend their whole lives!

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5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and Background Section I Projects of Regional Significance Economic Development... 1 Government and Infrastructure... 3 Transportation... 5 Environment... 7 Recreation and Tourism... 9 Housing Education Section II Local Projects with Regional Benefits Androscoggin County... 1 Franklin County... 4 Oxford County... 6

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7 Introduction This document presents a Regional Capital Improvement Plan for the tri-county region. Development of the plan is an on-going process that incorporates the results of other agency programs, the Regional Transportation Needs Assessment and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). There are two sections to the RCIP. Section I presents the Vision for the region: something that all governments and quasi-governmental entities can work towards, as well as Goals and Objectives to guide the development of regional projects. Projects of regional significance are also presented in this section. The projects and programs will help fulfill the Vision to build a place where people can live and prosper and want to spend their whole lives! Section II is a listing of projects that are more local in nature but that have potential regional benefits and are important to implement regional goals including providing economic development opportunities, maintaining and improving downtown vitality, preserving open space, and providing facilities. Developing the RCIP Projects were developed from a wealth of regional information already compiled by AVCOG through on-going planning programs and contact with a wide range of entities in the region In addition, the on-going work is supplemented by inventories and surveys, regional meetings with public officials and others, and a review of local plans. The plan is a listing of all projects whether to be funded by local revenues, bonds, state and federal monies or privately, which are of potential regional or statewide significance. They support the Vision on a local level, but do not necessarily include all capital projects being planned within the AVCOG region. Benefits of an RCIP Provides a better understanding of the need to make the best use of limited available resources Allows elected and appointed officials to see the projects their own communities and neighbors have planned Illustrates where local projects fit into larger regional setting Potential for joint projects among communities is increased potential tax savings Signals to private sector where investments and job opportunities are going to occur Allows for better planned growth and development Can function as a vehicle to obtain funding Helps to identify gaps in existing policies Identifies technical assistance needs of local governments

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9 Section I Projects of Regional Significance The RCIP brings together regional goals, policies, and objectives in order to focus on and respond to regional development efforts and needs. The projects listed are of regional significance and will be necessary in order to achieve the desired vision for the tri-county.

10 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Goal: Improved job opportunities and tax base for all communities in the region. Objectives Provide business assistance programs and financing to encourage entrepreneurial activity, including exporting. Improve and Revitalize downtowns, especially service center downtowns. Encourage development of Pine Tree Zones and appropriate regional industrial, technology and business parks. Encourage re-use of old mill buildings and facilities. Encourage sustainable use of the region s natural resources including agriculture and forestry. Support innovative concepts and value added use. Create, nurture & attract more entrepreneurial start-ups/activity including home-based businesses. Improve the skill levels of the region's work force by coordinating education and business needs to insure that an adequate labor pool is available. Develop a regional plan based on the sustainability of the region and its resources. Encourage smartgrowth concepts and the breaking down of institutional barriers to sustainable uses and smart growth. Work with state agencies to resolve regulatory conflicts between development and conservation and improve the business climate. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 1

11 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Projects Improve and Revitalize Downtowns Eustis Farmington Jay Kingfield Livermore Falls Mexico Norway Rumford Wilton Woodstock Develop Regional Industrial/Business Parks Auburn Business Park Foreign Trade Zone Improve Broadband Access Re-use/Re-Develop Old Mill Sites Bethel Furniture Stock, Bethel Eldred Wheeler, Bethel Northwest Wood Turning, Farmington Joneco, Kingfield Bates Mill, Lewiston Hale Mill, Mexico Corn Shop, Norway Robinson Manufacturing, Oxford Diamond Match, Peru River Valley Technology Center, Rumford Forster, Strong Penley, West Paris Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 2

12 GOVERNMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE Goal: Maintain a responsive and cost effective government structure that supports and implements the goals and policies contained herein. Objective Provide for and protect the welfare of residents. Create job opportunities by encouraging economic development. Develop the necessary infrastructure to encourage economic development, protect the environment and protect the health and welfare of residents. Provide a sound K-12 education, and provide opportunities for continuing and advanced education. Operate efficiently and cost effectively, cooperating with other government entities and quasi-governmental agencies when appropriate, including joint purchasing and shared staff. Provide public infrastructure (water, sewer, electric, gas, telecommunication, rail, airports, roads, housing, and cultural facilities) to support sound economic and community development. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 3

13 GOVERNMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE Projects Expand AVCOG Joint Purchasing Program. Provide and support shared staffing services for code enforcement, planning, and engineering. Educate the public on benefits of cooperation and collaboration. Work towards the standardization of regulations and codes. Provide information (data and GIS) to support sound decisions at all levels of government. Develop additional programs to encourage sound infrastructure management. Support the construction of a new facility to serve regional ambulance service for eleven communities in Oxford County Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 4

14 TRANSPORTATION Goal: A cost-effective, environmentally sound, and efficient multimodal transportation network serving the region and linking to the vital national transportation network. Objective The transportation network should create multi-modal links in order to insure the efficient, effective and environmentally sound movement of people, goods and services. Improve major transportation corridors, both roads and rail, to insure that the movement of people, goods and services is efficient. East-West Corridor Lewiston-Auburn to the North Corridor Lewiston-Auburn to the Northwest Corridor Western Mountains Corridor Improve transportation links for industrial/business parks, recreational and tourism areas, and service areas. Road improvements in service centers should create an efficient link to major transportation corridors in order to facilitate the continued growth and redevelopment of those areas. Manage land use along major road corridors in order to maintain traffic flow and the efficiency of the corridors. Improve airports to support business and tourism needs. Where it can be reasonably supported, transit systems should be improved or developed to provide energy efficient and cost effective choices for urban areas and to provide a link between service centers. Maintain the scenic character of appropriate highways in order to maintain regional character and support tourism. Build a multi-use trail network serving service centers and rural areas to encourage alternative transportation, provide for healthy recreation opportunities, and support tourism. Link the multi-use trail network within the region and to adjacent trails including major snowmobile trails and the East Coast Greenway. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 5

15 TRANSPORTATION Projects Improve the East - West Corridor Continue the Regional Transportation Assessment to determine corridor needs, and subsequently improve corridors as recommended. Improve Scenic Byways and the develop new Scenic Byway designations where appropriate. Develop an airport in Western Maine to support general aviation, business and tourism needs. Develop a main-line connection for the SLA Railroad, and support passenger service to and within the region. Develop highspeed rail north of Lewiston/Auburn area. Continue right-of-way acquisition for the Lewiston Lower Railroad and proceed with a master plan for development of the corridor. Develop a high speed, vehicle connector between Lewiston-Auburn downtown and the Maine Turnpike. Establish daily regional transit services to increase transportation opportunities for commuters, shoppers, students, tourists, and the general public. Improve Maine Turnpike toll equity and turnpike access movements. Rehabilitation of streets and sidewalks to support downtown revitalization Develop bicycle and pedestrian trails and paths connecting downtowns, greenways and recreational lands Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 6

16 ENVIRONMENT Goal: Natural Resource Management. Encourage municipalities, residents and businesses to reduce pollution and protect critical natural resources for use and enjoyment by future generations. Objective Provide continuous improvement in the quality of our surface waters, including the Androscoggin River. Protect the quality of existing high quality surface waters and groundwater. Encourage sustainable watershed management through planning and other programs. Develop a broad regional strategic plan that establishes a framework for local comprehensive and economic development planning efforts such that the region is working to implement a common vision of prosperity and sound environmental quality. Provide sound waste management solutions that are based upon the State hierarchy of Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, Energy Recovery and Landfill, respectively. Develop cooperative approaches to environmental protection and waste management where appropriate and effective. Conserve energy and provide alternative energy sources such as wind and hydro. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 7

17 ENVIRONMENT Projects Expand cooperative arrangements for the handling of Universal Wastes, Household Hazardous Wastes and similar materials. Expand cooperative arrangements for the handling of general Solid Waste and all types of Bulky Waste including transportation and processing. Develop a regional strategic plan for conservation/ preservation of natural resources. Continue land use, environmental protection, and land use planning programs. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 8

18 RECREATION AND TOURISM Goal: Recreation and Tourism facilities, services and opportunities that encourage healthy lifestyles for residents of the region and support growth in tourism industry by providing a variety of activities. Objective Create an atmosphere that encourages development of the Creative Economy through recreation and cultural facilities, services and activities. Improve the cultural heritage offerings throughout the region. Improve the natural resources related tourism opportunities including appropriate access to lakes and rivers and Agra-tourism. Encourage entrepreneurial activity for recreation and tourism product development including facilities and services. Promote Tourism throughout the region by working with the Maine s Lakes & Mountains Tourism Council. Develop conference and convention centers in appropriate locations in the region. Provide multi-modal links to tourism centers and provide transit opportunities in tourism centers for workers and visitors. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 9

19 RECREATION AND TOURISM Projects Develop an Information/Interpretive Center in the Bethel area. Develop a non-motorized use trail system stretching from the Mahoosucs to the Moosehead area as planned by the Western Mountains Foundation - including improved water access to areas such as Flagstaff Lake Develop an East Coast Greenway Connection from Lewiston/Auburn area. Provide seasonal transit opportunities Farmington-Sugarloaf Route Portland or LA to Rumford, Bethel, Rangeley, and Carrabassett Valley areas Bangor to northern AVCOG region Develop convention/conference centers Bates Mill complex in Lewiston Develop intermunicipal trail systems including Androscoggin Trail Network Androscoggin Canoe Trail with link to Northern Forest Canoe Trail Support the Northern Forest Canoe Trail Support Mountain Counties Heritage Network Support development and implementation of State Scenic By-Way Plans Support snowmobile trail development Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 10

20 HOUSING Goals: A wide variety of housing types available for all income levels and in a variety of settings in keeping with protecting the environment, insuring a sustainable future, and providing cost effective government services. Objective Develop additional affordable housing and workforce housing, especially in service centers and in areas experiencing a shortage of seasonal workforce housing due to seasonal variations in employment. Develop a regional approach to affordable housing to take advantage of resources. Encourage development of mixed-use housing opportunities. Encourage in-fill of housing in service center areas. Encourage sustainable housing development that does not unnecessarily adversely impact the environment, transportation patterns or municipal services. Develop additional programs to support seniors who wish to live in their own homes for the rest of their lives. Provide housing opportunities for those who cannot afford typical affordable housing those with extremely limited incomes. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 11

21 HOUSING Projects Provide workforce housing for Bethel/Newry area Carrabassett Valley area Rangeley Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 12

22 EDUCATION Goal: Make quality education from kindergarten through continuing education and graduate programs a high priority. A well educated citizenry will create the backbone for implementation of the goals and policies contained in local and regional plans. Objective Expand post-graduate & continuing education opportunities. Encourage local, grass-roots efforts and programs to get adults back in school. Encourage residents to seek college degrees and advanced degrees. Establish a program to educate and encourage entrepreneurial activity. Create more opportunities for internships in the trades. Establish collaborative relationships between government, businesses, economic development initiatives, and educational institutions to address problems and issues facing the region, government entities and businesses. Establish formal and informal networks between economic development, education/training service providers and other appropriate organizations to share information about programs/services currently available. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 13

23 EDUCATION Projects Expand L/A College and its offerings. Provide additional CMCC satellite locations and offerings. Western Maine RCIP Section I Page 14

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25 Section II Local Projects Having Potential Regional Benefits This section presents more detail on some of the projects contained in Section I but that are located in only one or two communities. In addition it contains local projects that have the potential to have an impact on neighboring communities and are important to implement regional goals and policies. In particular these projects may require a significant local one time capital expenditure to expand services, support job creation or otherwise fulfill regional goals. Infrastructure (water, sewer, and road) improvements and minor extensions are not considered. They are covered by local Capital Improvement Plans even though some may be eligible for grants and would assist local communities meet state and regional goals. The section provides a listing by county by town. For each project there is a brief description, a category designation similar to the seven categories used in Section I, a cost estimate (if known), potential funding (grants, local and/or private), estimated project time frame, and environmental impact (if known). Depending on the program, potential sources of grant funding include but are not limited to the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT), USDA Rural Development (RD) and Maine Departments of Conservation and Inland Fish and Wildlife. Key to Table: Proposed Funding Sources: G Grants L Local P Private Investment S State C County UF User Fees MTA Maine Turnpike Authority Environmental Impact: P Positive U Unknown Category: ED Economic Development G/I Government and Infrastructure T Transportation ENV Environment R/T Recreation and Tourism H Housing EDU Education

26 AUBURN AUBURN/LEWISTON LEWISTON Projects and Brief Description Downtown Revitalization: office buildings parking garage, riverside walking path Industrial/ business park near intermodal facility Great Falls Performing Arts Center Intermodal rail/airport connections, terminal including passenger service Downtown Connector/Turnpike Interchange Androscoggin River front trail Phase II Androscoggin County Cost Estimate Proposed Funding Sources Time Frame Category Env. Impact $16,000,000+ G, L, P ED, G/I U $2,500,000+ G, L, P ED, T U $9,500,000 G, L, P 2015 G/I, RT U $3,000,000 G, L ED, T U $35,000,000 G,L,S T, ED U $10,000,000 G, L R/T P Walking/biking trails $3,000,000 G, L through R/T P 2015 Rail line extension and right-ofway $2,000,000 G, L, P through ED, T U acquisitions 2012 Airport Master Plan Unknown G, L ED, T U Implementation Lewiston Junction Road Rehab and Relocation $3,400,000 G, L ED, T P Elimination of Combined Sewer $15,000,000+ L through G/I, P Overflow (CSO) discharges 2015 ENV Road and pedestrian improvements - Turner St., Mt. Auburn Ave. shopping area $5,000,000 G, L through 2010 ED, G/I P Waste water facility upgrade and expansion Southern Gateway Revitalization/ Development Project South Park, industrial area expansion and improved access $3,000,000 L through 2015 $500,000+ G, L, P through 2010 $900,000 G, L (So. Park Development Corp.) Bates Mill Area Redevelopment $15,000,000 G, L, P through 2015 G/I, ENV ED, G/I P P ED U ED, R/T U Western Maine RCIP - Section II Page 2

27 Projects and Brief Description Cost Estimate Proposed Funding Sources Time Frame Category Env. Impact Island Point Project $21,000,000 P, L through ED P 2010 Intermodal/multi-modal facility planning G, L, P ED U near Turnpike T Rt. 126 Connector planning G, L ED, G/I, U T Improve access to Central Maine planning L, P through G/I, R/I, Civic Center 2010 T U New Industrial/ Business Park planning G, L ED U Grand Truck Rail Depot $320,000 G, L, P G/I U Forrestal Industrial Park - Spec Building $2,000,000 G, L G/I U LISBON Route Longchamps Business Park Worumbo Mill Site Redevelopment New water supply, main extension Capital Avenue Industrial/business park infrastructure and incubator bldg. Renovation and addition to Public Works garage $3,500,000 G, L ED U $2,000,000 G, L, P 2010 ED U planning G, L G/I U $385,000 G, L Contingent ED U upon funding $1,600,000 G, L G/I U LIVERMORE FALLS Business/Industrial Area - Diamond Road Bike/Pedestrian Connector Downtown to Jay/Farmington Rail Trail Downtown Revitalization including road, sidewalk and streetscape improvements Industrial park development including land and infrastructure planning $115, ,000 G, L, P ED U G, L $500,000 G, L, P through 2012 planning 2009 R/T ED, T G, L, P ED U U P Western Maine RCIP - Section II Page 3

28 Projects and Brief Description Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Abatement Cost Estimate Proposed Funding Sources Time Frame Category Env. Impact $4,400,000 G, L G/I P MECHANIC FALLS Elm Street Road Reconstruction (True St to Lewiston St) - water/sewer replacement and sidewalk rebuild Downtown Sidewalk Reconstruction $1,500,000 G, L unknown G/T P $250,000 G, L unknown G/I P POLAND TURNER Poland Center Improvements, sidewalks, water line expansion, business park Poland Municipal Sewer Feasibility Study planning Repair Pleasant Pond Dam $20,000 G, L, P ED, G/I U $30,000 L ED, P ENV 2009 G/I, Env P L Repair Nezinscot River Dam Unknown G, L 2010 G/I, ENV, ED Downtown/Village Revitalization Turner Center Improvements including sidewalks for schools planning $100,000 G, L G, L P 2015 ED U 2010 G/I, T U Western Maine RCIP - Section II Page 4

29 Franklin County Projects and Brief Description Cost Estimate Proposed Funding Sources Time Frame Category Env. Impact EUSTIS FARMINGTON Downtown Improvements $250,000 G, L, P Bridge/park on town owned island $300,000 G, L, P Water & sewer extension to planned $750,000 G, L industrial park 2010 University of Maine Farmington $10,000,000 G, L, S, Performing Arts Center P 2015 Downtown Parking Garage $6,000,000 G, L Water and Sewer Extension - Rte 2 to Mt $2,000,000 G,L Blue High School 2012 Recreational Trail Bridge across the $2,000,000 G, L, P Sandy River 2012 ED, R/T ED, R/T ED, G/I R/T ED G/I R/T U U U U U U U JAY Industrial park and building space planning G, L, P ED P KINGFIELD NEW SHARON Downtown Development - Sidewalk, lighting, signage, gazebo, permanent grand stand $300,000- $350,000 G, L, P Facade Improvements $150,000 G, P Recreational Trail Development $50,000 G, P Downtown Improvements and Sewer planning G, L, P Expansion feasibility study 2010 Redevelopment of Joneco property planning P New Sharon Bridge Replacement: $3,000,000 G, L MDOT #2608 to preserve historical and 2011 architectural significance of the bridge and create pedestrian/recreation trail connections. G/I G/I G/I ED ED G/I P P P P P U Western Maine RCIP - Section II Page 5

30 Projects and Brief Description Cost Estimate Proposed Funding Sources Time Frame Category Env. Impact PHILLIPS RANGELEY Downtown improvements - sidewalks, planning G, L G/I, T U etc Fire Station Addition Unknown G,L G/I U 2015 Transfer Station Improvements to serve Phillips, Avon, Madrid $25,000 G, L G/I U Community building and public $200,000 G, L R/T P restrooms 2009 Town park improvements $35,000 G, L 2009 R/T P Downtown revitalization including roads, sidewalks and tourism facilities Airport Expansion and access improvements planning planning G, L L, UF through 2010 ED, R/T, T ED, T P U STRONG Downtown Improvements $400,000+ G, L, P Further redevelopment of Forster Manufacturing Site planning G, L, P ED ED P P WILTON Downtown Improvements $400,000+ G, L, P 2010 ED P Water, sewer and 3-phase power for planned industrial park (Rt. 2, East Wilton) $1,200,000 G, L ED U Western Maine RCIP - Section II Page 6

31 Oxford County DIXFIELD CANTON BUCKFIELD BETHEL Projects & Brief Description Cost Estimate Proposed Funding Sources Time Frame Category Env. Impact Bethel airport jet fuel system and other $250,000 G, L ED U improvements Additional space for National Training planning G, P ED U Laboratories Bethel Station Development $500,000 G, L, P through ED P 2012 Bethel Trails & River Access $300,000 G, L, P through R/T P 2012 Bethel Gateway Visitor/Interpretive $4,000,000 G, L, P through ED, P Center 2012 R/T Bethel Airport Industrial Park planning G, L ED U development Downtown revitalization planning G, L G/I U Speculative commercial space (lease to postal service, bank, etc.) Recreation area/track around field behind municipal center planning L 2007 ED U $250,000 G, L through 2009 Village relocation from floodplain $5,000,000 G, L G/I, H, ENV Upgrade water system storage, water main replacement, sewer, road and sidewalk improvements/reconstruction. R/T $2,750,000 G, L unknown G/I P U P FRYEBURG Industrial park near airport planning G, L 2010 ED U Western Maine RCIP - Section II Page 7

32 MEXICO Projects & Brief Description Cost Estimate Proposed Funding Sources Time Frame Downtown revitalization $3,500,000 G, L, P through 2012 Category ED, G/I Env. Impact P RUMFORD PERU PARIS OXFORD OTISFIELD NORWAY Bike-pedestrian way from downtown to $400,000+ G, L R/T, T U Pennesseewasee Park Cummings Mill Redevelopment planning G, L, P through ED P 2011 Downtown Improvements including $1,200,000 G, P G/I, T P sidewalks, trails and green space Cornshop Brownfield Redevelopment planning G, L, P through ED P 2011 Downtown Building Improvements including Oddfellows/Opera House planning G, L, P through 2012 ED P Saturday Pond Access Improvements $20,000 L 2010 R/T U Bolster Mills Meeting House Preservation Oxford Airport Improvements planning Sewer service north end $1,500,000- $3,000,000 Robinson Manufacturing Mill Redevelopment $50,000 G,L,P 2014 RT P G, C ED, T U G, L, P ED, G/I, ENV ED $3,500,000 G, L, P 2006 and On-going Oxford St. sewer and water main $1,200,000 G, L G/I P extension and road upgrade Sewer system extensions to Business/ Industrial area $750,000 G, L ED, G/I P Diamond Match Mill Redevelopment $2,900,000 L, P through ED P 2010 Downtown Revitalization planning G, L 2008 and ED, G/I P on-going Water and Sewer Improvements $1,500,000 G, L G/I, ENV New Library Facility $3,200,000 G, L G/I U U P Western Maine RCIP - Section II Page 8

33 WEST PARIS Projects & Brief Description Village Improvements (Library expansion/municipal parking/senior center/ teen center/ performance arts center) Penley Mill Redevelopment Cost Estimate planning planning Proposed Funding Sources Time Frame Category Env. Impact G, L G/I, R/T U G, L, P ED P WOODSTOCK Village Improvements including library expansion planning G, P, L G/I, R/T P Western Maine RCIP - Section II Page 9