Water and wastewater systems at the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park are going to be rehabilitated/Kurt Repanshek file
Acadia National Park's water and wastewater distribution systems in the park's Schoodic District will be rehabilitated thanks to nearly $8 million in Great American Outdoor Act funding.
The $7.8 million contract is expected to improve critical utility systems, which were installed in the 1970s.
The project will upgrade the systems, including the renovation of deteriorated lift stations, with new pumps, mechanical components, and controls. Crews will inspect and replace wastewater collection lines, minimizing the potential for lines to freeze.
Facilities will remain open during the project. The NPS awarded the construction contract to a local business, Harold MacQuinn, Inc. of Hancock, Maine.
“This is excellent news for Acadia National Park and local businesses,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “The Schoodic District receives about 250,000 visits each year, and this project will invest in our backbone infrastructure and safeguard the health and safety of park visitors and employees.”
Infrastructure funding from GAOA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are part of a concerted effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA’s Legacy Restoration Fund provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.
In 2021, Acadia National Park received about 4.1 million visits, which generated an estimated $486 million in visitor spending. These expenditures had a total economic output of about $702 million that supported more than 6,800 jobs in the local region.
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