SUN JOURNAL • December 12, 2025
The first round of the Maine Trails Program awarded $7.5 million to 44 trail projects across 15 counties, including funding for proposals in Augusta, Rangeley, Waterville and Strong. The program, approved by voters as Question 4 in 2024, will distribute up to $7.5 million per year through 2034. Grants will support trail construction, rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades and community trail development. Some 108 applications rolled in for the first round, totaling around $17 million — over double the available funding. Among the 44 funded projects, 25 involve new trail construction, 14 for improved accessibility, and 13 for primarily motorized trail projects. Other projects include hiking, multi-use trails and land-acquisition initiatives.