STRONG — Selectmen on Tuesday approved pursuing state funding for a paved access road, parking lot and launch site on the Sandy River.

Selectman Mike Pond told board members he talked with state officials who encouraged him to apply for funding for improved recreational access to the river. A paved road would go from the intersection of Routes 4 and 145 to the Sandy River across the Johnson-Cox American Legion Post 78’s field.

He said the state has money for such projects and looks for places that will provide more public access to waterways.

The new road would go down to the lower ball field on the American Legion’s property and include a parking lot and access for kayaks, canoes and recreational water activities.

The application, approval and building process would take approximately a year, Pond said.

Also Tuesday, selectmen also cast their Maine Municipal Association ballot for Belgrade Town Manager Dennis Keschl and Farmington Town Manager Richard Davis to serve on MMA’s legislative policy committee.

In other matters, selectmen decided against participating in the Spirit of America Foundation’s annual program to honor local volunteers because having recognition’s in the town report is sufficient.

The statewide nonprofit foundation, started in 1990, encourages municipalities to nominate individuals, organizations and projects for “commendable community service” each year.

Forster Memorial Hall