FARMINGTON — The state has about $1.2 million left over from a scenic byway project at Height of Land on Route 17 in Letter D Township, enough to create a conservation walking trail.

The money is left over after the overlook project came in under bid, leaving about $1.2 million in federal money remaining, Fred Michaud, Maine Department of Transportation scenic byway coordinator, told Franklin County commissioners Monday. The overlook project was completed in 2011.

The federal dollars cannot be spent anywhere; they would need to be used for a capital improvement project, he said. If the money is not used, it will be sent back to Washington, he said.

The DOT is interested in building a 1,300-foot, paved, non-motorized conservation trail with stairs leading down from the overlook, Larry Johannesman, DOT landscape architect, said.

It would be fully in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Michaud said.

There would be 15 stations with information that could range from loons to an Native American point of view, Johannesman said.   

The question was raised as to whether the county would have any interest in maintaining or owning the expansion of the overlook if the state followed through with the project.

Once the project is built, maintenance would take care of sweeping the paved trail, but there would be no garbage cans, tables or bathrooms available. Visitors would use public restrooms in nearby Rangeley or Oquossoc Village.

The Rangeley Heritage Trust is willing to convey the deed for the land to the county.  

The expansion of the overlook project, which includes views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake in Rangeley, would be an addition to tourist attractions in the Rangeley area.

Commissioner Charles Webster of Farmington asked if there would be money available in the future if paving is needed in 15 to 20 years.

The federal money may not be used for that, Michaud said, but the state possibly has other ways to help. He plans to get more information for commissioners.

The county could look into partnering with other groups.

County Clerk Julie Magoon said the county is in the midst of amending its tax-increment financing agreement with TransCanada in connection to Kibby Wind Power in Kibby Township. The area is in the unorganized territory and the funds could be used to support the scenic byway project and trail, she said.

Michaud said he did not expect an answer on the proposed project at the meeting, but commissioners could think about it.

dperry@sunmediagroup.com