Backlog Of Maintenance Projects Grows At Maine National Park

BAR HARBOR, Maine - Acadia National Park in Maine is still struggling with a backlog of maintenance projects at a price tag of about $59.8 million.The Bangor Daily News reports the park's maintenance to-do list is more than 350 items long, with projects ranging from building repairs to road upgrades.
 
The park's head of facilities maintenance Keith Johnston says most projects have not been approved due to a shortage of funds.
 
Johnston says the park puts 55 percent of entrance fees toward maintenance, and private funding from groups such as Friends of Acadia have helped.
 
He says the situation is much improved compared to the early 1980s, when the park didn't have entrance fees.
 
Johnston says "most of what the visitor sees is in pretty good shape.''