RUMFORD — Backers of a project hoping to install zip lines over Pennacook Falls on the Androscoggin River will seek support Thursday night from selectmen.

The May 17 board meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Rumford Falls Auditorium.

The Envision Rumford! Project Zip Line topic is about midway through the agenda.

Envision Rumford! was launched last September to increase business in Rumford, especially on “the island.” Its meetings are held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. every other Thursday in the River Valley Technology Center.

Envision Rumford! participants Tom Carey of Carey and Associates and local engineer Jim Sysko have explored the possibilities of creating several zip lines over the falls that would end in different downtown Rumford locations.

Sysko, who made his own 5,000-foot-long zip line on his property, and Carey have communicated about the proposed project with Central Maine Power, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, other state and federal agencies, and Canopy Tours, a zip line construction company and operator.

They ran into a snag with Brookfield Power, which owns and operates the Pennacook Falls Dam, according to Envision Rumford! documents in the selectmen’s packet.

“Everyone they have spoken with about this project has been enthusiastic about it, with the exception of Brookfield Power, which expressed its concerns about safety issues,” one document states.

Carey has drafted a response to Brookfield addressing its concerns and will seek backing from Rumford selectmen and others “to demonstrate to Brookfield Power that this project is viable and enjoys broad support.”

Cary and Sysko are  working to bring a zip line to Rumford’s July 4 celebration that would run from the parking lot of Hannaford to Hosmer Field.

Other agenda items include approvals sought for the American Legion Post 24 Memorial Day Parade permit, River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition’s 5K Race, a hawker’s and peddler’s license for James Ramey doing business as The Gold Digger, several innkeepers and victualers licenses, and the RSU 10 District Budget Validation Referendum Warrant and Notice of Election.

The board meeting will be preceded at 6 p.m. by a public hearing on the municipal budget.

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