USDA invests $177K to support community infrastructure in rural Maine
File PHOTO / MAUREEN MILLIKEN
The Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft, a nonprofit, is one of five Maine organizations receiving a total of $176,800 in infrastructure grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program.
Five community organizations in Maine are slated to receive a total of $176,800 in infrastructure grants through a new tranche of funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program.
The program is designed to help keep rural America resilient in the face of the pandemic, according to a news release.
“This Rural Development funding supports multiple projects in Maine that benefit critical community facilities,” USDA Rural Development Acting Maine State Director Tommy Higgins said in the release. “From repairing a rural library to expanding a food pantry to upgrading other essential and important facilities, this key funding is improving the quality of life for residents in rural communities.”
Local impact
• Downeast Salmon Federation Inc. is receiving a grant of $23,500 to replace deteriorated roof shingles with a metal roof system at its East Machias facility. In addition, flashing, trim, soffits, ridge vent and cap, fascia bird wire protection and other supporting appurtenances will be replaced. The facility operates a conservation fish hatchery and administrative offices. The federation, through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, rears endangered Atlantic salmon from egg stage to "parr" stage and releases fish into the waters of the East Machias river on an annual basis.
• Well of Mars Hill is receiving a grant of $25,300 to complete minor renovations to an afterschool children's center in Mars Hill. Repairs will include new flooring, updating the electrical, painting the interior, new lighting and replacing doors. Well of Mars Hill offers after-school and evening programs, tutoring, mentoring, real-life classes, internet access, educational and cultural programs. It will also remain open during school vacations to provide a safe environment for youth along with free drinks, snacks and a meal.
• Eastport Public Library Association is receiving a grant of $50,000 to replace and repoint nearly 1,000 square feet of brick on the Peavey Memorial Library in Eastport. Over the past few decades, the masonry façade, roof and cupola have suffered significant deterioration and completing these repairs will ensure the library's preservation and availability to support and serve future generations. Since 1893, the library has been providing a gathering space for residents, visitors and researchers. It is the learning center of the community offering educational and cultural services, a balanced collection of books as well as other materials, and free public internet access seven days a week, year-round.
• Patriarchs Club is receiving a grant of $50,000 to expand the Harmony Cares Food Pantry in Harmony. The project involves the construction of a 28-foot-by-30-foot addition that will provide space needed for food distribution, storage and a restroom. The food pantry also serves the neighboring towns of Cambridge and Wellington. Since the opening of the pantry in 2017, the number of food insecure families served by the facility has tripled. Additional food distribution/storage space and refrigeration/freezer capacity is desperately needed to meet the growing demand. The project will provide facility upgrades, an emergency generator and commercial refrigeration/freezer units.
• Center Theatre Inc. is receiving two grants totaling $28,000 to renovate Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft. Center Theatre is the only professional performing arts venue in Piscataquis County and is a major resource for the schools and community. Funds will be used to fix the columns and footings supporting the theater over the banks of the Piscataquis River. The theater is a historic building and over time there has been damage caused by flooding, ice and erosion. Damage has also been caused by improper roof drainage, which will be corrected as part of the project.
The awards are part of an investment by the program of $222 million to build and improve critical community facilities in 44 states, Guam and Puerto Rico, according to the release.
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