Penquis Mental Health Association receives $131K from USDA

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Penquis Mental Health Association is one of four community projects across the state that will receive funding earmarked to impact rural Maine despite a time of significant budget uncertainty, USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel announced. The announcement is one part of the department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

    The Penquis Mental Health Association has been selected to receive a Community Facility Direct Loan in the amount of $131,000. Funds will be used to purchase an existing residential facility that will provide essential development and intellectual disabilities services. This project will provide a facility for the organization’s Adult Residential Supported Living program.
    “I am pleased that USDA Rural Development can assist with improvements that make our rural Maine communities sustainable and vibrant,” Manuel said. “These projects will help allow for infrastructure expansion, dependable water systems, energy efficiency improvements, and critical programs that support our rural population in these towns.”
    USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $700 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.
    USDA Rural Development has area offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston and Scarborough, as well as a state office in Bangor. There are 65 employees working to deliver the agency’s housing, business and community programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s website at  www.rurdev.usda.gov/me.