Development corporation awarded Sewall Foundation grant

GREENVILLE — The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, based in Freeport, recently announced the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC) will be the recipient of a two-year $175,000 grant award. The award is designated for development and implementation of two of the MLREDC’s upcoming projects: a comprehensive regional wayfinding signage system for vehicles and pedestrians and a regional master plan to guide the area’s future growth and development.

MLREDC’s work, since its establishment in 2013, has sought to grow and sustain local businesses, attract and create new jobs, and enhance the economy of the Moosehead Lake region.

The Sewell Foundation made the award after a thorough review of the MLREDC’s application to the “Healthy People Healthy Places” program. Sewell Foundation officials noted in their award letter that the funds in this program support organizations that use “a deliberate, unified approach to enhancing well-being, prosperity and resiliency of people, communities and nature.”

MLREDC’s work has sought to grow and sustain local businesses, attract and create new jobs, and enhance the economy of the region.

“The Sewell grant award represents a game-changing opportunity for our board and our region,” said Luke Muzzy, president of MLREDC, “and will provide much-needed resources to see our Branding Initiative and Economic Development Program through development and implementation.”

The MLREDC is vetting contractors for the wayfinding sign project, and anticipates the first phase will be installed by the fall. MLREDC is in the process of issuing a request for proposals for regional planning consultants and anticipates the planning process will begin in the fall. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate in the planning workshops.