SCARBOROUGH — A project nearly a decade in the making took a major step forward on Thursday, July 24 as construction officially began on the Eastern Trail’s long-awaited “Close the Gap” project connecting Scarborough and South Portland via a 1.6-mile off-road trail segment. Among those taking part in the ceremonial groundbreaking was Town & Country Federal Credit Union President and CEO David Libby, who helped shovel the first dirt at the construction site.
Town & Country’s connection to the project dates back to 2017, when the credit union made a $100,000 pledge — the largest philanthropic gift in its history — to the Eastern Trail Alliance’s “Close the Gap” campaign. At the time, it was also the largest, single gift ever made by a Maine credit union.
“This day has been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to finally see construction begin,” said Libby. “Town & Country was proud to be one of the first organizations to support this incredible effort, and to stand here today and take part in making it a reality is a meaningful moment for our credit union and our members.
The project will complete a critical 1.6-mile section of the Eastern Trail, closing the gap between South Portland and Scarborough. Once finished, it will allow for continuous off-road travel and expand access for cyclists, runners, and walkers throughout Southern Maine.
Town & Country’s gift is helping make possible the construction of a key bridge over the Nonesuch River. In recognition of two longtime volunteer board members — Wilfred Couture and Edward Connolly — who together gave more than 85 years of service to the credit union, the bridge will be named the Connolly-Couture Bridge.
“This gift is a tribute to Wilfred and Edward’s incredible dedication to Town & Country and the communities we serve,” said Libby. “It’s fitting that a bridge — something that connects people — will bear their names.”
With construction now underway, the “Close the Gap” project represents a milestone in expanding outdoor access and connecting communities across the region. “Town & Country is honored to have played a foundational role in helping to bring it to life,” added Libby.
For more information on the Close the Gap project, visit easterntrail.org.
Town & Country is one of Maine’s largest credit unions and a full-service financial institution offering a wide range of financial products and services to people who live, work, go to school, or worship in Cumberland and York Counties. In 2022, 2023 and 2024, Town & Country was named “Best Credit Union in the 207” and “Best Home Mortgage Lender, out of all Maine banks and credit unions, in the 207,” and was named “Best Credit Union” in the Best of Portland competition in 2023 and 2024, as well. The credit union has approximately $610 million in assets and is part of the largest branch network in the country. To learn more, visit www.tcfcu.com.
