MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • September 5, 2021
More than a century and a half after Fort Gorges was built in Casco Bay during the Civil War, an effort is under way to secure the base – architecturally speaking. “We have a $250,000 cash match on the table from the City of Portland and see this as a big opportunity to save Fort Gorges for future generations,” said Paul Drinan, executive director of Friends of Fort Gorges. “There are structural issues that should have been addressed years ago. If the community steps forward, this could save the fort. If we don’t succeed in this cash match, the future of the fort is in question.” That was the motivation behind Fortation, a musical fundraiser at the island Aug. 15. Organizers hope to make the island fort safe and accessible to allow for more events there.