GARDINER -- A $50,000 grant will help people find their way around historical and cultural sites and hopefully boost the local economy.

The city applied for the Preserve America grant last June.

Jason Simcock, the city's director of planning and development, said a major element of the grant will be to help pay for new signs to guide people to historical and cultural sites, but also provide historical information.

The signs, he said, will connect downtown to the waterfront and increase and enhance visitation to the downtown and surrounding historic sites.

"The signs will play a major role in helping visitors navigate the streets to find key destination areas as they travel through the city," Simcock said.

One sign will be for a self-guided walking tour of architectural, cultural or historically significant locations, as well as other kiosks.

He said the signs will promote the role of the Kennebec River and its impact on the community as well as other areas.

Mayor Andrew MacLean said the grant is a great opportunity to join other groups in the community and boost the city's long-term plan for the revitalization of downtown and the waterfront.

Community groups include Gardiner Main Street, Johnson Hall, Gardiner Public Library and the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.

"Gardiner has so many great destinations and this new funding will help visitors become more aware of what Gardiner's historic downtown has to offer," MacLean said.

City Manager Jeff Kobrock said the grant will allow the city to accomplish some key goals that capitalize upon existing assets or efforts, multiplying the value of the grant several times.

He said the grant also will fund other written materials to educate and inform the public, as well as an overall marketing plan for Gardiner Main Street, an organization that encourages economic activity downtown.

"This is a really exciting opportunity to knit together many allied, but not quite coordinated assets and efforts," Kobrock said.

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com