$1.5 million in Rural Development funding announced for Maine

    WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins (both R-Maine) have announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program has awarded $1,525,515 in Rural Business Enterprise Grant funding to communities and organizations in Maine.     “The USDA Rural Development program helps communities in our state develop local infrastructure and spur economic growth,” Sens. Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. “This funding will benefit residents by enhancing local culture and recreation while promoting the development of small businesses in Maine.”   
    Local applicants receiving the grant funds include: $350,000 to the Northern Maine Finance Corporation, this grant will fund the replacement of existing roofs and upgrading of the HVAC systems on two commercial facilities; $112,291 to the town of Limestone, this funding will be used for the purchase of a snowmobile trailgroomer, enhancing tourism and economic development in Aroostook County. $62,224 to the town of Frenchville, to be used to purchase a snowmobile trailgroomer.