SNOWE & COLLINS ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $900,000 IN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANTS

Washington, D.C. – Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins today announced that four projects in Maine will receive a total $901,490 in Rural Business Enterprise Grants. These grants are awarded to public bodies, private nonprofit corporations, and Federally-recognized Indian Tribal groups. Funds are used for the financing or development of a small and emerging business.

Last year, Maine towns and organizations received more than $2.2 million in Rural Business Enterprise Grants.

Senators Snowe and Collins announced grant funding for the following projects:

$367,500 for the Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary's in Lewiston to restore and make improvements, including converting the nave of the former church into a modern, 450-seat performing arts hall.

$70,200 to the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribe to purchase equipment and renovate the Sipyak Corner Store, including the installation of a new furnace, generator, kitchen equipment, cooler, and security system.

$63,790 to the Penobscot Indian Nation to fund a feasibility study on the creation of an historical and cultural center. The center would provide hands-on learning experience, tying together a Millinocket education center with an Indian Island Cultural Center.

$400,000 to the Town of Fort Fairfield to upgrade 8.66 miles of rail line and to upgrade and construct new rail siding.

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