Work has begun on a $1.55 million project approved by Harpswell voters to build a long-planned boat launch at George J. Mitchell Field.
The Harpswell Select Board voted in September to choose Richmond-based Wyman & Simpson Inc. to build the launch and a gravel parking lot. Representatives of Wyman & Simpson and the project’s engineering firm, GEI Consultants Inc., joined town leaders at a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 4.
In November 2024, voters authorized the town to borrow up to $1,150,500 toward the cost of the launch, which was estimated at $2 million. Harpswell will cover the remainder of the cost with $492,250 in local funds set aside for the project and $357,250 in state grants.
Former Harpswell Town Planner Mark Eyerman, now a consultant to the town, is overseeing the project. Eyerman said the initial phase has involved trucking a “substantial amount” of crushed rock to the site, causing significant traffic.
“(Crews) are also working on removing the existing concrete pad above the bandstand,” Eyerman said in an email. “They will then regrade this area to construct the trailer parking area.”
Vehicles weren’t allowed past the waterfront parking lot as of mid-November, he said. Residents were being asked not to walk along the waterfront or on the road behind the structure known as the administration building, which is scheduled for demolition in December.
“Once demolition (begins), access will be further restricted to maintain a safe work site,” Eyerman said.
Wyman & Simpson is scheduled to complete basic construction of the boat launch through the end of December, then shut down for the winter, Eyerman said. It will return in the spring to finish the work, including the paving.
Work on the boat launch is expected to be completed by late spring, he said.
