NORWAY – Selectmen Thursday night signed an agreement with the state Department of Transportation that will give the town $1,500 for 10 years and in turn see the town maintain the scenic picnic area on Route 11.

The agreement was negotiated by Recreation Director Deb Patridge and Norman Haggan, regional manager of the DOT’s Western Region, after months of conversations between the state and local officials over who would maintain the popular picnic area opposite Lake Pennesseewassee.

The deal was one of two offered by the state, said Town Manager David Holt. The second provided the same amount of money but for only one year. Under both offers, the town has to provide labor, equipment and material to mow the grass, sweep, clean up litter and maintain the facility. Pavement maintenance will continue to be the state’s responsibility.

“The 10-year agreement gives us some funds to work with,” Selectman Les Flanders said.

Holt, who is trying to gather local organizations to help supplement the costs, said he wished the state had offered more. The state has said it cost around $5,000 to maintain the site. Some organizations have stepped up to offer financial assistance, such as the Rotary and Downtown Norway.

“This one issue, I’ve heard from more people. It’s very clear to me the citizens of Norway want to keep the picnic area open,” Flanders said.

The agreement must still be signed by DOT officials, but because they made the offer and typed up the agreement, it is considered a done deal by local officials.