Gov. LePage allocates $20,000 for Maine Highlands Senior Center

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Governor Paul R. LePage has allocated state contingent account funds to several non-profit organizations, including $20,000 for the Maine Highlands Senior Center.

A registered 501(c)(3) organization, the Maine Highlands Senior Center is currently under construction and will provide day services to local senior citizens. The construction involves renovation of the historic Central Hall at an estimated cost of $1.9 million, of which $600,000 remains to be raised.

The facility, which will not be a residential facility, will enable social interaction and support for seniors who live at home with their families and will operate using a “medical model” with nurses and medication assistants on staff. The center anticipates the creation of eight to 10 new positions with the ability to provide daily services for as many as 18 families.

“Every year, I first prioritize any state emergency needs that arise during the beginning of the fiscal year. Toward the end of the year, I designate remaining funds to community programs,” said Gov. LePage. “There are so many wonderful non-profits serving the needs of Mainers, which range from food banks to recovery and rehabilitation centers to veterans support organizations. Each is worthy in its own right, and they all provide opportunities and assistance to those in need.”

Each fiscal year, the Legislature appropriates funds to be expended at the direction of the governor. According to Maine statute, the governor may allocate from the state contingent account amounts not to exceed in total the sum of $300,000 in any fiscal year and not to exceed in total the sum of $4,350,000.