Westport Island selectmen are reviewing a Small Harbor Improvement Program grant application to built a ramp and float at the town’s new jetty on Back River.

The proposed cost of the project is $55,600, with a 20 percent match from the town.

The ramp being proposed is 40 feet long and 4 feet wide, with a float of 10 feet by 20 feet, built on the south end of the jetty. The town received grant money in 2010 to build the jetty.

The selectmen also approved a recommendation from the town’s Wright Committee to have the large rock at the entrance to the landing engraved with the words “Wright Landing.”

The selectmen approved Wright Landing Committee member John Nelson's request for authorization to have the rock engraved, with the cost of the work coming from local donations. According to Nelson, the cost to engrave the rock will be around $800.

Nelson also told the selectmen his son, who is visiting on the island, a former Coast Guard officer who has experienced many small boat landing sites, said the Wright Landing is one of the finest small landing facilities he had ever experienced.

Urban rural initiative program award

The town received word from the Department of Transportation that Westport Island will receive $27,332 in quarterly payments from the Urban Rural Initiative Program. These funds are to be used for capital improvements to public roads on the island.

According to First Selectman George Richardson, the town received $29,000 last year. The decrease is due to a $700,000 decrease in the Maine Department of Transportation’s budget

The amount of funds awarded is determined by rates for State Highways, State Aid and town ways in the urban compact and rural areas.

Westport Island to honor a 100-year-old resident

The selectmen decided to honor a 100-year-old summer resident of the island next month.

According to information received by the board, Pricilla Caskins will celebrate her 100th birthday on Aug. 20. The selectmen will make a visit to her on or near her birthday.

Other business

The selectmen discussed several complaints they have received recently: a complaint of a dog smell coming from a home on island that is vacant was referred to the town animal control officer; a noise complaint created from a house being taken town was addressed by the town’s code enforcement officer; and a complaint of a couch being moved into the former Westport Island store was made. The selectmen were unclear why the last complaint would be an issue, and took no action.