Mars Hill library to receive grant

Mars Hill library to receive grant

MARS HILL — On April 22, Congressman Mike Michaud praised Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement that USDA Rural Development will invest $151,400 in three community organizations located in Addison, Camden and Mars Hill.

In Addison, Friends of the Church on the Hill has been selected to receive $97,000 in grant funds to renovate an existing historic church into a community center. In Camden, The LifeFlight Foundation has been selected to receive $11,250 in grant funds to construct an automated weather observing system station on a 15-foot tower on the roof of the Rumford Hospital in Rumford. The project will improve access for emergency medical helicopters. In Mars Hill, the Walter T.A. Hansen Memorial Library has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $43,150 to make interior and exterior repairs to the library.

“These USDA investments are very important to rural communities in Maine,” said Michaud. “They not only help improve community infrastructure in rural areas, but they also create much-needed jobs.”

According to the USDA, the funding announced Friday is provided through its Rural Development Community Facilities Program, which helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation.

USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “I’m pleased that USDA Rural Development could support these important community organizations, which will utilize grant funds to improve the quality of life for Maine’s rural citizens through improved access to healthcare, enhanced learning opportunities and the creation of a community gathering place.”