FARMINGTON – James Cote of Farmington, a student at the University of Maine at Farmington, was named a Maine Policy Scholar through the University of Maine System and the Maine Community Foundation.

The Maine Policy Scholars Program, which is awarded to seven students in the UMaine system, was conceived by the late Peter Cox and funded by donors as a means of engaging students in the University of Maine System in the public policy process.

Those chosen for the scholarship will tackle a real-life policy issue facing Maine. After conducting research, the scholar is expected to produce a final report in the form of a memo to the governor or appropriate policymaker outlining the problem, the data available and recommended policy solutions. The topics can be local or statewide significance. But in all cases, the topics should be well-defined, subject to research and of real concern to Maine or a segment of its people.

Cote has decided to study the topic of public and private land access in Maine. His research will focus on policy that will encourage landowners to allow traditional and recreational access on their property and to define the economic benefits of land access policies in northern Maine.

Cote, 21, is a political consultant at Eaton Peabody Consulting Group in Augusta and is pursuing a degree in political science from the University of Maine at Farmington. Prior to joining Eaton Peabody Consulting Group, Cote managed Sen. Peter Mills campaign for governor.