SNOWE, COLLINS ANNOUNCE OVER $2 MILLION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR 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 various entities in Maine a total of $2,346,215 in funding to assist development projects throughout the state.               “Federal funding from the USDA plays a critical role in providing Maine’s rural communities with the tools they need to improve community infrastructure and encourage business growth,” said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement.  “This funding will enable companies in Ashland and Eastport to make much-needed repairs to housing for their elderly citizens, and help a small company in Bar Harbor acquire a new business and retain local jobs.”               The funding is distributed as follows:   • $391,215 loan to the Ashland Housing Corporation.  The funds will be used to renovate senior citizen housing.  Renovations will include roofing, replacing windows, laundry facility repairs, and accessibility issues will be addressed.   • $305,000 loan to the Eastport Non-Profit Housing Corporation.  The funds will be used to renovate an existing elderly property including siding, new windows, and accessibility issues.   • $1,650,000 loan to Daigle Enterprises, LLC.  These funds will be used to assist in acquiring a 22-room bed and breakfast inn and related operations.  This project is estimated to retain four jobs.               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.