By Emma Bouthillette

Staff Writer 

 With a new Congress in session and President-elect Barack Obama ready to take the reigns in little more than a week, the components of a second economic stimulus package focused on state and local projects to create jobs and help revitalize the economy, rather than one-time checks for taxpayers are now being discussed. The Kennebunk Post editorial staff thought it might be interesting to see how Kennebunk Town Manager Barry Tibbetts and Kennebunkport Town Manager Larry Mead would react if they received $50 million from the federal government with “no strings attached” for capital improvement projects in the New Year. 

Post: “What is the first project you would use a $50 million stimulus check  for and why?”

Tibbetts: “The first project would be under the umbrella of economic development for the Route 1 corridor. This would be in three phases — the proposed rear access road and sidewalks on each side along Route 1 north ($2 million); the complete revitalization of the downtown area (including a hand engraved brick for every resident) from the town hall area to Friend Street ($15 million) and a sewer facility rebuild ($4 million-no engraved bricks here); and the upgrade of all utilities, sidewalks and wetland mitigation along Route 1 south ($6 million).  The final $23 million would be used for business development, low interest business loans, underground utilities with built in wireless poles for the full length of Route 1 and an automatic watering system for the germaniums (no plastic) and finally new custom sign!  Our priority would be local contractors.”

Mead: “Because there are no strings attached I would dedicate $50 million to two projects. The first would be to acquire land for and construct a new elementary school. It could be located so that it is convenient to both Arundel and Kennebunkport since both communities’ schools are getting on in age and both communities depend on these schools as a center for community life. The second project would be to develop sidewalk and bicycle linkages between the several neighborhoods in Kennebunkport, particularly Goose Rocks, Cape Porpoise and Village Center. These links would also connect with the trails developed by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust.”

Post: “Given total authority over the project, how long would it take to get underway / to complete?”

Tibbetts: “To start no more than a 30 day wait with a completion time of 15 months.”

Mead: “Schools would require one year to construction start, another year to finish. The neighborhood links would require 60 days to begin and be completed in 18 months.”

Post: “Would this be an ongoing project or a new initiative?”

Tibbetts: “This would be the fulfillment of ongoing projects, needs and new initiatives.”

Mead: “New initiative for school and acceleration of ongoing project for neighborhood linkages.”

Post: “Approximately how many jobs do you think the project could create?”

Tibbetts: “At least 350 construction jobs with a target of 150 permanent jobs.”

Mead: “School would create 80 construction jobs and neighborhood links 15 construction jobs.”

Post: “What would the short term benefits of the project?”

Tibbetts: “Immediate cash influx to local businesses and helping residents who would be unemployed.”

Mead: “Employment from construction jobs.”

Post: “Long term benefits?”

Tibbetts: “Improved access to community businesses, new jobs, safer traveling conditions (walking/biking/driving) and a more appealing corridor.”

Mead: “The school project would ensure continuation of school centers for Kennebunkport and possibly Arundel for another 50 years. The neighborhood links project would provide a safe, convenient means for residents and visitors to walk and bike and leave there cars behind and get access to all neighborhoods in town.”

Post: “Would this project require more or less than the $50 million?”

Tibbetts: “We would be short by $0.01.  We may need to borrow that from someone!”

Mead: “Less, but how much less, I’m not sure.”

Post: “Do you think voters / other town officials would support the project?”

Tibbetts: “We would certainly have a lively debate on the merits and I believe the residents would support the plan.”

Mead: “Yes!”

Post: “What would be the largest challenge of completing the project?”

Tibbetts: “Getting the bricks made with each resident’s name fast enough for a quick installation.   Placement would be by a lottery.”

Mead: “Finding appropriate land for the school that would work for both towns, and for the neighborhood links project, it would be resolving concerns of property owners who might lose shrubs, trees or fencing that is within the road right-of-way.”

Post: “Would any neighboring communities benefit from the project?”

Tibbetts: “All the abutting communities would benefit from the increased business development and subsequent ‘spin off’ expenditures from customers.” 

Mead: Schools: “Arundel and Kennebunk are both members of the new school district and would each benefit from having a new and modern school.”