‘Welcome to Houlton’ sign back on track

HOULTON, Maine — The Southern Aroostook Development Corporation’s (SADC) efforts to erect a “Welcome To Houlton” sign at the exit of I-95 is back on track after an agreement has been reached between the town and the Maine Department of Transportation.
The agreement states that the sign will be permitted at its proposed location, near the Sears store.
    “For many years, town officials, merchants, tourism officials, and event sponsors have struggled with the fact there is little signage at the interstate telling visitors to town where our downtown is located,” said Jon McLaughlin, executive director for SADC. “The proposed sign will be 20-feet high and include changeable electronic messaging, highlighting events being held in town.”
A private fund-raising effort for the sign has been initiated by SADC.
“We are hoping to raise the necessary funds for this project through private contributions and as a tribute to the late Dallas Henderson,” McLaughlin said. “Dallas was not only a longtime Houlton businessman, but also an active member of the SADC board and champion of the need for this project. We would like to see this project brought to a conclusion not only for the benefit of Houlton, but as a tribute to his memory.”
When completed, the sign will become the property of the town, and SADC hopes to see construction begin this summer. Contributions of any size are welcome. Checks can be made payable to Town of Houlton – Memorial Sign, and contributions are tax deductible.
For more information, call McLaughlin at 521-0157 or the town office at 532-7111.