The selectboard in the town of York, Maine, recently approved the design and permitting of a new paddle-craft dock and launch area at Goodrich Park, near the Rte. 1 bridge, to expand public access to the York River and ease boating congestion in the lower river and harbor. Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of paddlers wishing to access the scenic river, which has led to conflicts with local boaters and fishermen who use the river and harbor for recreation.

The board approved $75,000 towards the project, which includes $55,000 in federal dollars granted through the American Rescue Plan Act.  An additional $10,000 grant came from the federal Wild & Scenic program and another $10,000 from the Harbor Board. The project’s final cost has been estimated at between $200,000 and $300,000, which the town will vote on at a later date.