USDA funding directly impacting Waterville & Augusta

The USDA announced that they will be investing over five million dollars to assist eight essential community businesses in Maine.

According to USDA Maine State Director Timothy P. Hobbs;

“Maine’s community facilities provide vital services for rural residents that improve the quality of life in our state. I am pleased that under the leadership of the Trump Administration, USDA Rural Development is investing in critical services that support education, fire and safety training, and important community services.”

Two of these organizations are right here in central Maine:

Children’s Discovery Museum, in Waterville, will receive $760,000 to purchase the building they are currently at, 7 Eustis Parkway in Waterville. This will also allow them to renovate the space to meet their needs. The building will serve as the new location of the museum that use to be located in Augusta near Shaws. The museum will provide high-quality exhibits and programs that children and families can enjoy while promoting social, cognitive, problem solving, and other developmental skills for children ranging in age from 6 months to 8 years of age.

Kennebec Valley YMCA, in Augusta, will receive a Community Facilities Grant of $42,000. The YMCA plans to use the funds to provide funding assistance to purchase equipment and complete necessary renovations to their facility in Augusta. They plan to purchase new desk vestibules, security cameras, they want to install new signs, upgrade some of the lighting fixtures, and replace an outdated fire alarm panel and lighting control panel. The YMCA serves the public through the various health, fitness, childcare, and personal development programs that they offer.

The USDA wants you to know that they provide funding for more than 100 types of projects. According to the press release;

"Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less."

If you would like more information or have questions about funding or the process, contact Robert Nadeau, Community Programs Director at (207) 990-9121 or robert.nadeau@usda.gov