SENATORS SNOWE, COLLINS ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.1 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN MAINE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program has awarded $1,126,125 in loans and grants to two organizations in Maine.   “The USDA Rural Development program provides vital opportunities for rural Mainers to enhance community services and boost economic growth,” Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement.  “This funding will make possible a variety of rural community projects and essential training programs."   The following will receive funding:  

• $920,000 grant to the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation to be used for repair and improvements to their water and waste disposal systems.
• $206,125 loan to St. Agatha Housing Inc. to be used for necessary repairs to their elderly housing facility in St. Agatha. 

  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.