BANGOR, Maine, November 1, 2024 – Today U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson announced a grant of $238K to the Irving Tanning Community Center Inc. (ITCC) in Hartland, Maine. The award comes through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. Founded in 1999, the nonprofit organizes programming and provides a place for town meetings, community activities, and private events. The volunteer-led center will use the grant funds to replace the facility’s roof and improve the heating system.
“We are grateful to partner with Senator Collins to help support the mission of the Irving Tanning Community Center,” said Director Hampson. “Having places to gather in person to celebrate and to grieve and to learn from one another is the antidote to so many issues we collectively face in our rural state. The volunteers at the ITCC support that relationship-building every day. Here at USDA Rural Development, we know that the bonds formed and strengthened in these spaces benefit us all – and together, we prosper.”
Located in downtown Hartland, the ITCC also serves the nearby communities of Palmyra and St. Albans. The 24,000-square-foot facility includes a gymnasium, community room, meeting rooms, and offices. Elementary school students from all three towns (about 100 students each season) participate in the combined youth recreation programs offered there. Musical events, bingo, community fundraisers and other activities are regularly scheduled for people of all ages. The Town of Hartland uses the facility for municipal events such as public hearings and annual town meetings.
Originally the ITCC was part of the local elementary school complex, operating out of a wing built in 1999. When area schools later consolidated and built a new facility, the Town of Hartland partnered with the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP) to develop affordable housing on a portion of the Hartland property. The ITCC Board of Directors maintained possession of the remainder, continuing to offer programming for youths and adults as well as rental space for private meetings and events. KVCAP has since developed two affordable housing complexes of 30 units each next to the ITCC, increasing demand for its programs.
ITCC’s Board of Directors will make critical repairs with the grant, including replacing the structure’s 25-year-old roof and improving the heating system. Board Treasurer Jim Dyer estimates the total project cost will be about $317K, and the all-volunteer organization will continue to fundraise to complete the improvements. The group welcomes new volunteers. (Contact Board Chair Robin McNeil to learn more at rmcneil@rsu19.org.)
Community Facilities funding for the ITCC comes through Congressionally Directed Spending supported by Senator Susan Collins. However, eligible rural communities may apply at any time to USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes are eligible. Visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/me (look under “Key Programs”) or contact Bob Nadeau, Community Programs Director (robert.nadeau@usda.gov or 207-990-9121) for more information.
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