SNOWE, COLLINS ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY LOANS FOR MAINE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced the approval of $820,100 in loans from the U.SDepartment of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development program.

The following facilities in Maine were approved for Community Facility Direct Loans:

• Tri-County Mental Health Services was approved for a loan of $550,100 for the purchase of computer hardware and software with upgrades, making the billing and clinical process more cost effective and efficient.

• Yesterday's Children, Inc. was approved for two loans totaling $270,000. The loan for $170,000 will be used to purchase and renovate a new facility for the day habilitation of mentally challenged adults. The loan for $100,000 will be used for renovations to the Birchwood Living Center; including new windows, floor coverings, a fire alarm system, sprinkler system, heating system, and the removal and replacement of pavement.

Community Facility Direct Loans are used to develop or improve essential public community facilities, and are limited to nonprofit corporations and public bodies serving rural areas.

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