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V O L . X X X N O. I V F E B R UA R Y 1 9 , 2 0 2 4 12 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E announced the availability of $4.4 mil- lion in federal funds to help Maine's electrical grid withstand the effects of extreme storms. Mills proposed to invest $50 million in the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund to help Maine communities rebuild in the wake of the recent storms and ensure their infrastructure can with- stand the impacts of extreme storms in the future. e money would come from Maine's record-high Budget Stabilization Fund, known as the Rainy Day Fund. N O T E W O R T H Y M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T Bar Harbor Wealth Management, a subsidiary of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, announced it awarded a total of $136,000 in grants to 44 organizations through the Hattie A. & Fred C. Lynam Trust. The trust, established in 1942, awards grants annually to charitable, religious and educational organizations located on Mount Desert Island. College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor said its Community Energy Center re- ceived a $200,000 Buildings Upgrade Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy that will allow students to pro- vide free audits and suggest energy improvements to residents on Great Cranberry Island. The Maine Community Foundation in Ellsworth awarded a total of $108,000 to 15 Greater Portland nonprofit orga- nizations that support early childhood and youth engagement programs. The foundation's Edward H. Daveis Benevolent Fund awarded 13 grants totaling $95,500 while donors with advised funds awarded two additional grants totaling $12,500. Visitor center effort gets boost Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument will receive a $1 million grant to help finish construc- tion of a visitor center expected to open this summer. e funding comes from the National Park Foundation, a congressionally chartered nonprofit that works with the National Park Service. e foundation has previ- ously donated $1 million with grants in 2022 and 2023. e visitor center, to be known as the Tekakapimek Contact Station, is the major goal of a $35 million fundraising campaign. "Tekakapimek" translates from the Penobscot language to "as far as one can see" and is pronounced "de gah- gah bee mook." e Monumental Welcome Campaign will provide $31 million for the station, $2.7 million for "priority projects" that protect natural resources and enhance visitor experiences, and $1 million for future projects related to Maine's indigenous Wabanaki people. So far, nearly $30 million has been raised. N O T E W O R T H Y N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N Starbucks plans two new stores for the Bangor market: At store at 570 Stillwater Ave. will open this spring. Another store at 693 Broadway, not far from the Husson University campus, will open this summer. Bangor has ex- isting stores near the Bangor Mall and inside the Target store. Katahdin Bankshares Corp., the Houlton-based parent company of Katahdin Trust Co., reported earnings during last year's fourth quarter of $2.33 million, or 73 cents per share. Husson University in Bangor is ex- panding its online degree programs with the addition of five degree con- centrations: Bachelor of Science in applied health sciences, Bachelor of Science in health and fitness, Bachelor of Science in nutrition and health, Master of Science in applied psychology and Master of Science in applied animal behavior and welfare. The University of Maine at Presque Isle received approval from the University of Maine System board of trustees to initiate an official request for proposals process to select a buyer for the Houlton Higher Education Center. The university plans to sell or transfer ownership of the 15,662-square-foot building to a community partner with an aligned mission, and will retain space for of- fice, teaching and technology pur- poses to best support the educational needs of southern Aroostook County and surrounding areas. PK Floats, an aircraft float manu- facturer in Lincoln, is celebrating its 70 th year of FAA-certified float manufacturing. CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING AND INSPECTIONS • Soils, asphalt, concrete, masonry, fireproofing, and steel: Reduce potential delays, defects, and unexpected costs. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING • Soil and groundwater characterization, landfill monitoring, and site assessments GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND EXPLORATIONS • You see what's on top, we'll show you what's below. RWGILLESPIE.COM / INFO@RWG-A.COM BIDDEFORD, ME 207-286-8008 • NH 603-427-0244 • MA 508-623-0101 ACCESS COLLABORATIVE LENDING SOLUTIONS: Expand Your Loan and Lease Offerings for Ag & Forestry Clients Agri-Access specializes in secondary market financing for agriculture, aquaculture, forest products and rural land, providing capital for community banks across the nation. Visit our website at agri-access.com Matthew Senter Vice President – Lender Relations Phone: 507-810-0837 matthew.senter@agri-access.com N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N

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