NORWAY – Local organizations and state and local officials are expected to meet today to discuss what steps can be taken to ensure that the Route 118 scenic turnout remains open.

“I wish they would continue with the picnic area,” said Selectman Bill Damon, a leader in the fight to have the state retain ownership of the site across the state highway from Lake Pennesseewassee.

The state Department of Transportation has offered to let Norway take over the maintenance of the site and its picnic tables, shelters, grill and restroom rather than remove all the amenities, but local officials have balked at the price tag that state officials estimate could be about $6,000 to $7,000.

Local officials say the price could be higher.

Town Manager David Holt said recently that he is attempting to get a coalition of interested groups together to take ownership and share responsibility in keeping the site open.

DOT Commissioner David Cole or a representative from his office is expected to attend the meeting.

Damon said Holt’s idea is a good one, but he’s not sure it will work.

When asked if the town could financially support the takeover, Damon said there’s money available to cover the cost for at least a year.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in Town Hall and is open to the public.

The DOT is maintaining 10 scenic turnouts. Norway is the only one in the area that hasn’t been downgraded yet. Others, such as one in Waterford, have been taken over by the town; another in Greenwood has been closed.