U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program has awarded $852,000 in grant and loans to entities throughout Maine.
"The USDA funding will help boost economic growth in rural communities throughout the state," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. "The improvements made in Nobleboro, Alfred, and Dover-Foxcroft will establish a better quality of life while helping to create and save jobs."
The funding is distributed as follows:
$100,000 to Damariscotta Montessori School, II in Nobleboro- This Community Facility Direct Loan will be used to install an elevator and make additional improvements to the school building at 93 Center Street.
$250,000 loan and $250,000 grant to Alfred Water District in Alfred- These Waste and Water Disposal Direct funds will be used to replace 2,450 linear feet of aging cast iron pipe in Sanford and Kennebunk Road. The project will improve the water quality and distribution efficiency for the community.
$143,000 to Penquis Mental Health Association in Dover-Foxcroft- This Community Facility Direct Loan will be used to acquire and develop a facility in Dover-Foxcroft that will provide development and intellectual disability services for people in Piscataquis County.
$109,000 to Penquis Mental Health Association in Dover-Foxcroft- This Community Facility Direct Loan will also be used for the development of the Adult Residential Supported Living program in Piscataquis County.
The USDA Rural Development program provides financial loans and grants to help improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. The funds are used for community programs, which seek to construct or improve community facilities for health care, public safety, and public services.