D-F receives $200,000 for riverfront hydro plant

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine) praised the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announcement that it has awarded a grant to Dover-Foxcroft for an economic development project. Michaud authored the legislation that created the NBRC, which is charged with addressing the community and economic development needs of distressed portions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York.

    The town of Dover-Foxcroft received $200,000 — the total project cost is $587,500 — for a project to refurbish the 185 KW hydroelectric plant at the former Mayo Mill downtown as a part of the Riverfront Redevelopment Project. The hydro project is a key component of the overall redevelopment of the Mayo Mill complex, which will convert a 1908 woolen mill into a 12-suite commercial plaza focused on attracting entrepreneurs, tech development, renewable energy and business development tenants.
    The second and third floors will be converted into rental apartments. The adjoining 1883 Mayo Mill building will house a restaurant and an information technology data center. The project already has commitments from eight businesses that intend to employ 82 people.
    “This funding will have a positive impact on job growth in Maine and help spur additional economic development and investment in these communities,” Michaud said.