At Camden Hills State Park Wednesday, Gov. Janet Mills announced a $50 million investment to fund infrastructure and maintenance projects at Maine’s 48 state parks, which she said are now busier than ever.
Standing before a crackling fire at a picnic shelter, Governor Mills said the Covid pandemic brought a surge of visitors to Maine's state parks, including a record 3.3 million last year. Though their popularity shows no sign of abating, Mills says Maine’s state parks have been underfunded for far too long.
“Well today, that changes," Mills said. "The $50 million I’m announcing today, using federal funds, American Rescue Plan funds, from my Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, will enable the department to undertake urgent capital infrastructure improvements to make the parks more accessible and more enjoyable for Maine people and visitors from away.”
The improvements will include new trails for people with disabilities, expanded parking areas, long-deferred campground maintenance, and new visitor's centers. Mills said some of the work will begin soon, in order to prepare for the summer season.