NEWPORT, The Preservation Trust of Vermont has awarded a $50,000 community revitalization grant to Memphremagog Community Maritime (MCM) and the Northern Star, a local cruise ship. The grant is intended to preserve and support the vessel’s educational and tourism operations on Lake Memphremagog.
MCM, a nonprofit, aims to promote educational, research, and tourism opportunities on the lake. “We have been working on this grant for over two years, and it has finally come to fruition,” said David Converse, MCM board president.
Beyond scenic and themed cruises, MCM plans to use the Northern Star for educational programs. “Education is going to be a key part of Memphremagog Community Maritime and the Northern Star,” said Rick Desrochers, executive director of MCM. “It’s not going to be just the Northern Star, we want to reach out to as many businesses and people as possible. This is about building community partnerships, and it is going to take everybody coming together to make Newport and the Northeast Kingdom someplace special.”
Ben Doyle, president of the Preservation Trust of Vermont, praised local efforts. “Newport is truly a special place. This investment in the Northern Star recognizes the wonderful work community leaders have accomplished as they seek to ‘return to the lake’ and leverage outdoor recreation assets for greater economic activity in the downtown.”
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: CHRISTIAN PFEIFER via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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