Federal grant money is trickling to local businesses and organizations.

Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, along with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree this week announced recipients of Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Bill funding. They include:

• $388,888 for renovation to the Harrison Food Bank and Community Center.

“The dedicated staff and volunteers at Harrison Food Bank work tirelessly to provide nutritious food to low-income individuals and families in Maine,” said Senator Collins. “This investment will provide the Center with an updated, modern facility to continue to serve Mainers with healthy food while also creating a new space for community events. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I strongly advocated on behalf of Harrison Food Bank & Community Center to include this critical project in the funding bill.”

Harrison Food Bank is the largest food bank in the State of Maine, serving 500 low-income families from 92 towns per week. 

After years of community use, the original VFW Hall where Harrison Food Bank is located is in need of repairs. The organization has been actively working to expand the facilities and upgrade the existing building. Re-branded as The Harrison Community Center, the renovated space will feature enlarged restrooms and an expanded commercial kitchen. The facility will also have new handicap ramps to both levels, an enlarged overhang to maintain safe paths from weather, and new energy efficient mechanical systems. 

With the support of this federal investment, the Center will facilitate classes, public meetings, dinner, and veterans’ services. In addition, the renovated space may be used as a shelter for the Town of Harrison in emergency situations.

“We would like to thank our distinguished Maine Senator, Susan Collins, for helping us secure this grant. We would also like to thank Senator Angus King for his endorsement of the 2022 Congressionally Directed Spending Request,” said Sandy Swett of the Harrison Food Bank.

• $1,400,00 for Bridgton sewer main extensions. To extend Bridgton’s sewer system to serve additional residents. When extended, the system will service up to 181 residential homes, 270 residential units in multi-family dwellings, nine existing businesses employing over 100 employees, and a new commercial building with six units.

The Bridgton project is one of nine water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Maine to be funded.

“Maintaining and upgrading water and wastewater systems is vital to ensuring the economic and environmental health of the community,” said Senator Collins. “I strongly advocated for these significant investments in Maine’s infrastructure that will help Mainers continue to have access to clean, safe drinking water.” 

“This funding is fantastic news for these communities and the people of the State of Maine,” said Kirsten Hebert, Executive Director of the Maine Rural Water Association. “With so much need for infrastructure funding we are proud to have Senator Collins advocating on behalf of the water and wastewater community, and we look forward to working with her in the future to secure additional funding for these critical projects.”

• $3,500,000 to Eastern Slope Regional Airport (IZG) in Fryeburg for runway improvements. To extend the runway in accordance with the FAA-approved Master Plan to permit aircraft to operate under wet or contaminated conditions.

Eastern Slope was one of three Maine airports to secure funding (Machias and Brunswick were the other two, as part of the $5.25 million package).

Senator Collins is the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee. 

“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development. Throughout the state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins. “As a leader of the Transportation Appropriations Committee, I have long championed investments to improve Maine’s airports. These projects will allow airports across our state to make much-needed improvements to their infrastructure, enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations.”

• $450,000 to the 4-H Innovation Lab and Learning Center in Bridgton. This funding assisted Maine 4-H Foundation to purchase the Magic Lantern Theater in Bridgton, keep it operating as a theater and pub, and transform it into an Innovation Lab and Learning Center. 

By continuing to operate, the Magic Lantern will generate funding to support the Innovation Lab and Learning Center programming. The goals of the Center include engaging 3,000 to 4,000 students annually for STEM activities, raising student performance in Bridgton and surrounding Cumberland and Oxford county communities, and creating stronger economic development conditions for companies and organizations that need talented employees. 

While Maine 4-H operates a number of learning centers across Maine, Bridgton and its surrounding communities do not currently have a resource like this for the students that this Center will serve.