This EDA investment funds the whitewater recreation project, to support the town of skowhegan with constructing the downtown portion of the whitewater park in somerset county, maine

The Economic Development Administration awarded a $6.1 million Project Grant to the Town of Skowhegan, Maine on July 26, 2022 under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program. The grant funds the Whitewater Recreation Project to support construction of the downtown portion of the Whitewater Park in Somerset County. Project work includes creating two whitewater rapid features through excavation of existing river and bank bedrock, constructing new river rock outcroppings, and reshaping the river bottom. Additional features will utilize drop and water velocity to enhance existing rapids and create whitewater waves for high-quality recreation. The Whitewater Park is a destination and national events venue, and this project aims to drive visitation, support business growth and retention, attract new entrepreneurs and residents, and spur private investment and job creation, diversifying the regional economy.

The project work includes: creating two whitewater rapid features through excavation of existing river and bank bedrock; constructing new river rock outcroppings; and reshaping the river bottom. In addition, features will utilize drop and water velocity to enhance existing rapids and create whitewater waves for high-quality recreation. The whitewater park is a destination and national events venue and this project will help drive visitation, support business growth and retention, attract new entrepreneurs and residents, spur private investment and job creation, and diversify the tax base, resulting in a stronger and more resilient economy in the region.