Golden secures $1.1 million for Lewiston Beech Street revitalization

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that he has secured $1.1 million in funding for improvements to Beech Street in Lewiston. 

The funding is part of the partial 2024 government funding package signed into law Saturday. It will be used to improve access to Simard Payne Park and two adjacent vacant mill properties. It will also fund water and stormwater infrastructure needed to redevelop both mills, increase public parking for the park, and complete a pedestrian pathway to provide direct connection from the river walk into Simard Payne Park and the pedestrian bridge to New Auburn. 

“The proposed vision for Beech Street will unlock so much potential for Lewiston,” saidGolden. “From improving existing properties to creating new connections to the rest of the city, this effort is truly a force multiplier for future development.”

“I am grateful that our funding request for the Simard-Payne Beech St. project has been approved,” said Carl Sheline, Mayor of the City of Lewiston. “Developing the riverfront is a top priority for our city and this money will be crucial to helping us develop the park for the benefit of our residents and visitors alike. I appreciate Congressman Golden's commitment to the people of Lewiston and the State of Maine.”

Beech Street in Lewiston plays an essential role for the town. It serves as the access road to Simard Payne Park, which hosts numerous events annually, bringing thousands of people to Lewiston. This funding will provide much needed improved access to the area during these surges in demand. 

It will also fund much needed infrastructure for the Camden Yarns Mill, which will be redeveloped for the Maine MILL Museum and adjacent vacant PAMCO Mill. Beech Street is the primary access point for the Maine MILL Museum, which is forecasted to invite about 30,000 visitors annually. Investing in the redevelopment of both vacant mills is crucial to the economic vitality of the riverfront and will serve as a catalyst for the community’s future. 

The request on behalf of the Town of Lewiston was one of 15 awards from Golden’s Community Project Funding (CPF) requests approved as part of the appropriations package. His $26 million in successful CPF requests was the most of any Democrat in Congress.

###