FARMINGTON -- Farmington could benefit from the natural resources bond referendum Question 4 going before voters Tuesday that could be used to help develop a riverfront park along the Sandy River.

The $35.5 million bond referendum in Question 4 includes $5 million that would go toward riverfront redevelopment along with $17 million for the Land for Maine's Future program, a fund that helps land trusts around the state buy or preserve open spaces. It also includes $7.5 million for park improvements and $3 million to protect waterfront access. Another $3 million would be split between municipal and agricultural improvements.

"The riverfront bond could be used to make improvements to the Jay-to-Farmington rail trail by helping create a recreational area along the Sandy River," said Farmington Town Manager Richard Davis.

While he said he is not taking a political position, he did acknowledge the potential benefit of a recreational attraction to the area.

He said he and others involved in the rail-trail project have talked about the possibility of a walking trail branching off from the proposed multi-use bridge across the river in West Farmington.

One option would have a trail extend south a quarter-mile to Center Bridge along land owned by the University of Maine at Farmington. Or, it could go upstream through a less congested stretch along land owned by the Farmington Water Department.

"We are thinking of something similar to the trails the towns of Augusta and Waterville have built along the Kennebec," Davis said.

The 14-mile, recreational Whistle Stop Rail-Trail has been improved by the Maine Department of Conservation and has access points off Oak Street in West Farmington; in Wilton, behind Hometown Market on Main Street and Rick's Market on Depot Street.

The state's Department of Transportation is exploring the idea of building a recreational bridge across the river in West Farmington but Davis said the engineering plan that is nearing completion has come up with a $1.4 million design -- twice the amount initially anticipated and prohibitively expensive.

The $60,000 design was paid for with $48,000 from the transportation department and a $12,000 town match. There is no money included in Question 4 that would help fund the bridge, Davis said.

Betty Jespersen -- 778-6991

bjespersen@centralmaine.com