Economic and Fiscal Impact of the Wood Island Life Saving Station in Maine

The Challenge

The historic Wood Island Life Saving Station in Kittery, ME, was built in 1908 for the US Life Saving Service, later renamed the US Coast Guard, and played a key role in safety and national security, including serving as a strategic observation post and location for securing anti-submarine nets during World War II.

After being declared surplus and then falling into disrepair, the Life Saving Station needed to either be restored or demolished for public safety. A private sector-led restoration effort began in 2012 to transform the property into a visitor attraction with a pier and maritime museum. While significant private capital has been donated to the project, the Town of Kittery may be asked to provide funding as well, raising the question of the economic benefits to the Town.

The Solution

The Wood Island Life Saving Station Association provided Camoin Associates with its business and capital plan, and requested an analysis of the economic and fiscal benefits of the operation of and visits to the station, including jobs, visitor spending at local business, and projected additional tax revenue from economic activity related to a proposed museum.

The Impact

The final report and analysis contributed to the Town’s decision-making process by quantifying the economic and fiscal benefits of the Wood Island Life Saving Station to the Town. The restoration project was substantially completed and the station reopened to the public in August 2024.