Today's Laconia Citizen has a brief article titled "Laconia's WOW trail said to be high on stimulus fund list" as it meets the three requirements of the federal stimulus fund.
The very recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has designated 129 million dollars for New Hampshire. Out of this, 3.9 million is allowed for transportation enhancement, and the WOW Trail which is seeking $700,000 for the Laconia section seems to meet the requirements.
It could help to extend the tourist season at the Weirs as a bicycle trail can be used from late March to early December. Snow melts faster on an asphalt paved trail.
With regard to the objections to South Down Shore to a 5' high, chain link, safety fence. Looking at SDS from across Paugus Bay it looks like every waterfront home is not really located right on the water where it would be close to the fence. The homes are all situated way uphill and set back enough so their view would not be impaired by a 5' see-thru, chain link fence. Hey, if they are real unhappy with the fence, SDS can always plant some roses and turn the fence into a green vinyl, chain link fence with roses growing intertwined through the fencie-wencie. That could be very nice looking in that situation, don't you agree!
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From today's March 18 Laconia Daily Sun: headline;
W.O.W Trail should get nice shot of stimulus money
Here's the opening and closing sentence from a nine paragraph article.
(1st) LACONIA- The Winnisquam-Opechee-Winnipesaukee (W.O.W.) Recreational Trail stands to be a major beneficiary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in the Lakes Region.
(last) "This is really-good news...Phase two will happen much sooner than we anticipated."