SENATORS SNOWE & COLLINS ANNOUNCE $295,000 FOR KENNEBEC ARSENAL

Washington, DC – Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins announced today that the Kennebec Arsenal will receive a $295,000 Federal Save America's Treasures grant for historic preservation efforts. The grant will be used to restore the original granite and iron fencing along the perimeter of the campus and the retaining wall and wharf along the Kennebec River. Much of the fence, retaining wall, and wharf have been heavily damaged over the years and some portions will need to be rebuilt.

"The Kennebec Arsenal is one of Maine's historical treasures. This grant will help to rehabilitate, preserve, and protect the original campus, as discussions proceed about future uses for the buildings on the site. Once this redevelopment project is complete, visitors will be able to walk along the river and enjoy the original beauty of this important civil war landmark," said the Senators in a joint statement. "The Save America's Treasures program represents a good partnership between federal and local governments to preserve local historic sites. We are so proud of the work that the State, the City of Augusta, and the arsenal's many supporters are providing to ensure that it is preserved for the education and enjoyment of future generations."

Built between 1828-1838, the Kennebec Arsenal is the most intact early nineteenth century munitions depot in the United States. The arsenal was constructed in Augusta to protect the United States'' northern border with Canada, and was associated with the bloodless Aroostook "War," a border dispute with Great Britain that lasted from 1820-1842 and nearly led to war.

"This grant is the cornerstone of the entire redevelopment of this parcel, including the building, because without the retaining wall and the sitework, the buildings would be jeopardized," said Elaine Clark, the Director of the Maine Bureau of General Services, which will administer the grant and generate the matching funds for the project.

The Save America's Treasures program provides matching grants to preserve nationally significant historic structures and sites and cultural artifacts. The grant program requires an equivalent non-federal funding match. The State of Maine, City of Augusta, and local non-profit groups are expected to contribute matching dollars for the Kennebec Arsenal project. The City of Augusta has also pledged to contribute in-kind labor, equipment, and resources of their public works department.

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