AUGUSTA – The River Valley Technology Center received $500,000 from the state Friday that ensures the transformation of a former mill building into a new technology center.

The RVTC was one of four such centers in the state to receive funding.

The money comes on the heels of an announcement Thursday that several towns in the River Valley have been designated special economic development areas under the state’s Pine Tree Zone program.

“The investment in these four successful technology incubators reflects our continued commitment to supporting small businesses and investing in new and emerging technologies,” Gov. John Baldacci said. “These centers are integral components of the development of a technology-based economy.”

The center is focusing on precision metal trades training and small businesses, as well as other highly technical fields. Other technology centers receiving funds are those in Sanford and Greenville, $450,000; Fairfield, $650,000; and South Portland, $400,000.

Norm MacIntyre, the center director, said the state’s money was critical to the renovation of the former bag mill in downtown Rumford. Total cost is $2.8 million for phase one of the renovation project. The state money, approved at referendum last June, helped leverage the receipt of the remaining $2.3 million.

“We wouldn’t be able to do the renovation without it,” he said, emphasizing that River Valley Growth Council President Joseph Derouche was the “spark plug” behind bringing a state supported technology center to the area.

“The long, hard work we’ve done is really coming through,” Derouche said following the ceremony.

The renovation is scheduled to be completed by June.

MacIntyre said he has talked with several businesses so far that have shown an interest in setting up shop there. They include those that do precision metal working, a manufacturer of specialized paper and a fledgling company that turns the results of biomass into chemicals. The center’s dual purpose is to train people in the precision metal trades and to provide a low-cost facility for start-up businesses, known as a business incubator where several businesses share in overhead costs until they can move out on their own. Several metal trades courses have already been completed by students who want to go into the business. The center has partnered with Central Maine Community College for the training.

The center is one of seven technology centers in the state. Each center focuses on one specific technology.

Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Jack Cashman said the four centers were selected for funding because they had the most pressing needs.

“They have a lot of work to do,” he said, adding, “The money can be used for matching funds.”

He said the state’s emphasis on establishing technology centers that focus on businesses that use natural resources is crucial for the state to regain the position it once had.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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