10/01/2026
As a week has passed since the tragedy at Roque Bluffs, I wanted to provide an update so everyone knows this has been taken seriously and solutions are being worked on to make permanent modification to the area of the boat launch to help ensure safety for everyone for the future.
Here is what I have been working on -
The Tuesday after the tragedy I met with all 3 selectmen, the harbor master, and the State Park Ranger. The town had already ordered lights to add to the signs and a temporary gate was being put across the entrance to the boat launch.
On the same Tuesday, I reached out to DOT to discuss putting town directional signs at the end of both East and West Kennebec roads as well as the intersection of Great Cove Rd and Roque Bluffs road. It looks like next week there may be a meeting to discuss further.
Last Thursday I spoke with the State Park leaders and provided them with a plan the town has been working on to completely redesign the road but would require collaboration with the park service. I emailed all parties to provide contact information for them to set up future meeting on next steps. I will continue to make sure the meetings are set up and progress moves forward. This will take some time because off agreements, engineering plans and construction but should keep moving forward.
As a legislator I am prepared to put in any bills that will help make this road much safer for the future. This could include a possible transfer of park land or advocating for funding for the park budget to get the project completed.
The town of Roque Bluffs began improvements the next day with more safety features and surrounding communities are also all working to improve the safety of the area and want to make sure another tragedy does not happen. I am thankful for everyone’s quick response to working towards a safer future.
