CANTON – Gov. John Baldacci on Tuesday promised the people of Canton his full support for the planned relocation of the village during a visit to the town that was flooded almost two years ago to the day.
“We’re going to figure out a way to do this project so it will be an example of how to do it,” he told nearly four dozen people as he toured the new fire station and a land parcel slated to become the new village center.
He was greeted by 9-year-old Ashley Cole carrying a wrapped Christmas present for him. Her picture had been taken with the governor when he visited the flooded village two years ago.
“He’s very kind. He’s done a lot for the town,” she said of her wish to give him a two-pound box of chocolates, to be shared with his wife, she added.
The flooding, the result of heavy rains, occurred Dec. 18 and Dec. 19, and caused an estimated $2 million in damage.
A few months before that 2003 flood, the town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee had included plans in its long-range document to move the village to higher ground. When the flood happened just a few months later, the town was prompted to move quickly.
Recently, about half of the town’s 65 structures located in the flood plain have received offers of buyouts, and five structures have been taken down.
While the Special Projects Committee headed by Diane Ray works through the buyout process, it is simultaneously working toward creating a new village center. About 50 house lots are tentatively planned, along with a community center and possibly several business sites.
About $2.5 million is needed for the necessary infrastructure, which is required before buildings can be built, Ray said. This includes costs for roads, curbing, drains, electricity, and sewer and water hookups.
The governor promised to add $2 million for Canton to a planned bond issue expected for a vote next June or November. That bond issue would include funding for a number of other projects, such as money for redevelopment of the Brunswick Naval Air Station.
He also assured the town that he will notify the Community Development Block Grant program that the state is trying to raise money for the new village center.
Ray is applying to the block grant program for the remaining $500,000 needed for infrastructure costs and must have assurance that the $2 million will be in place. That grant deadline is Jan. 12.
The governor was impressed by what he saw happening in Canton since the flooding.
“As far as floods go, this was ground zero. This is a community that took the initiative. Here in Maine, this is how we do things. Canton will be a real role model for the state and the rest of the country,” he said.
Comments are no longer available on this story