PRESS RELEASE
October 6, 2023
Grant Awarded to support Ellsworth’s Village Partnership Initiative
Ellsworth is among the 53 communities benefiting from the Community Resilience Partnership’s $2.4 million investment by Governor Janet Mills’ Administration to tackle the challenges of climate change. This initiative, started in December 2021, has now expanded to include 174 towns, cities, and tribal governments in Maine, impacting nearly 60% of the state’s population.
The recent announcement on September 29th revealed that Ellsworth received a grant award of $32,000. This funding will play a crucial role in supporting the planning phase of the Village Partnership Initiative, a collaborative effort between the City of Ellsworth and the Maine Department of Transportation. The City was formally entered into the partnership in the winter of 2023, allowing the ability to apply and subsequently receive funding through this grant opportunity. The project, titled “Reducing Carbon Emissions & Vehicular Miles Traveled While Increasing Active Transportation in Ellsworth,” aims to increase the City’s climate resiliency by improving bicycle and pedestrian transportation within the City, particularly in the downtown core.
The project’s goals include reducing miles traveled by automotive vehicles, minimizing wear and tear on roadways, and enhancing safety by reducing accidents. This strategic investment aligns with the broader mission of the Community Resilience Partnership while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Photo from the City of Ellsworth
Photo courtesy of Ellsworth Bike Party
