"The funding assistance provided by the USDA is critical to small communities in Maine since they often lack the resources to pursue community development programs on their own," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. "The grants and loans recently allocated to Cumberland, Hancock, Sagadahoc, Washington, Lincoln, and Piscataquis Counties will greatly aid in the improvement of local community facilities and programs."
The following locations will receive funding:
* $520,800 guaranteed loan to Cumberland County for a year-round facility to provide therapeutic Horseback riding programs for individuals with disabilities. * $2,250,000 guaranteed loan to Hancock County to assist in acquiring a 100 year old Inn located in Bar Harbor's historic district. * $640,000 direct loan to Sagadahoc County used to install a new water storage tank in Bowdoinham. * $13,750 to Washington County to purchase a computer shelving display, equipment, tables and chairs for the Pembroke Library. * $21,000 to Washington County to purchase an ambulance for the Denny's River Volunteer Fire Department. * $391,000 approved loan and $280,000 grant to Lincoln County to construct a pump station and water intake structure near Knickerbocker Lake in Boothbay. * $21,000 grant to Piscataquis County to purchase a new delivery truck for the food cupboard, a goods for the needy organization.
The USDA Rural Development mission provides guaranteed loans, approved loans, and approved grants. Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. The loans and grants are used for community programs, which seek to construct or improve community facilities for health care, public safety, and public services.
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