A handful of people voted to allow the town of Mexico to get the funds.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

MEXICO – The final financial hurdle for the River Valley Technology Center construction project was cleared Wednesday night when residents approved acceptance of a $400,000 federal grant.

The handful of people attending the special town meeting that followed a 60-minute public hearing voted 6-2 to allow the town of Mexico to accept the grant on behalf of the center.

The Community Development Block Grant, known as a Business Assistance Grant, will be added to other federal and state money needed to renovate the former bag mill in Rumford into a technology center. Cost of the total project is expected to be $2.47 million. Other funding has come from the federal Economic Development Administration, the state Department of Economic and Community Development and from June’s state bond issue.

The renovation of the century-old, brick mill located in downtown Rumford is expected to be completed by June.

Center Director Norman MacIntyre, in arguing for the grant’s acceptance, said without the $400,000, important components of the project could go undone. These included installation of an elevator that would connect all five floors and portions of the building’s ventilation system.

Although Selectman Monique Aniel agreed with the potential the center has for bringing jobs to the River Valley, she was the lone selectman voting in the minority.

She was concerned that the town of Mexico would be liable for the $400,000 if the center doesn’t produce 40 new jobs within two years. The job creation component is one of the mandates for acceptance and use of the grant.

She also questioned why Mexico was sponsoring the grant, particularly since the center is located in Rumford.

Mexico Town Manager Joseph Derouche, who is also president of the River Valley Growth Council, said his town has generally taken the lead in applying for federal grant money.

MacIntyre said it was highly unlikely that the grant would have to be repaid if 40 jobs weren’t created, adding that if the final portion of money needed to renovate the building didn’t come through, no jobs would be produced.

He said he is positive that at least 40 jobs will come from a completed technology center, noting that several potential businesses or research possibilities have shown interest in locating at the site.

Selectman Reggie Arsenault warned that turning down a Community Development Block Grant could raise a red flag for any other grants for which the town may wish to apply.

“We can’t afford to lose this,” he said.

Work began at the center several weeks ago by general contractors, CCB Inc. of Westbrook. The technology center will serve as a site to train people in precision metal work as well as a site for fledgling businesses. The Rumford center is one of seven technology centers statewide supported by the state to help increase jobs and develop technological innovation.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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