Four communities receive $15.2M for wastewater infrastructure upgrades
As part of the Friday's Earth Day festivities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that four Maine communities will receive $15.2 million for upgrades to their wastewater infrastructure, thanks to the USDA's Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.
The wastewater treatment facility in the town of East Millinocket was awarded $7.14 million in the form of a $3.5 million grant and a $3.65 million loan, will be awarded to the town's sewer district. It will be used to support improvements to the treatment facility by recycling infrastructure from the former East Millinocket paper mill and making significant upgrades to treatment equipment and processing capacity.
"This project is an important step forward in securing core community assets, enhancing the local economy, and protecting our natural resources," U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King said in a joint statement on Friday. "As we work together to address the significant challenges facing East Millinocket and the region, these investments from USDA Rural Development, coupled with local and state funding, strengthen the community and set the foundation for future economic development."
According to the release, the other Maine communities that were awarded funding for upgrades and improvements to their wastewater infrastructure are:
- The Freeport Sewer District, which has been selected to receive a water and waste disposal direct loan in the amount of $2.1 million and grant in the amount of $1.1 million. Funds will be used to rehabilitate 11,000 linear feet of sewer lines, replacing key components of the Mast Landing and Porter Landing Pump Stations and the construction of a new pump station.
- The Lincolnville Sewer District, which has been selected to receive a water and waste disposal direct loan of $1.6 million and grant of $1 million. Funds will be used to construct a new wastewater collection system and a new wastewater treatment facility in the beach area of Lincolnville.
- The City of Old Town, which has been selected to receive a water and waste direct loan of $1.65 million and a grant of $550,000. Funds will be used to replace three of the city's aged wastewater pump stations. The city's wastewater system plays an important role in preserving the Penobscot River.