RUMFORD – The board of the River Valley Technology Center signed a resolution Tuesday separating the center from the River Valley Growth Council.

The growth council, which initiated development of the center and acquired financing and a building, signed a similar resolution earlier.

Now an independent corporation, the center will be renovated to provide training in the metal trades and offer low-cost space for fledgling businesses. It is one of seven in the state.

The resolution also designates the director of the center as its manager of operations and renovations. Work on the former MeadWestvaco Corp. mill building began a few weeks ago.

Separating the two organizations means the River Valley Growth Council will focus more of its efforts on other economic development for the area, while the technology center director and a special building committee will oversee the renovation project.

At least two members will serve on both boards.

The state Department of Economic and Community Development has provided $90,000 to pay for the center’s management, administrative support, and management training for this fiscal year and will provide the same amount for the next fiscal year.

Phil Helgerson, director of the DECD’s Applied Technology Centers, said the state set aside $290,000 for the seven centers. Eventually all are expected to be self-supporting.

“Management support provides a boost to the new centers,” he said. “And Norman MacIntyre (the RVTC’s director) exemplifies an experienced manager.”

He said the RVTC received a larger percentage of the state money because the area’s legislators advocated for it effectively.

“Your legislators have been excellent at informing and educating their colleagues,” he said.

The multi-million-dollar project is financed by state and federal money and is expected to be completed next year.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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