RUMFORD – River Valley Growth Council members learned this week that a $32,250 state grant they were awarded last week was $5,000 short.

Council member Dick Lovejoy said Tuesday evening that the council was told the mistake was a clerical error by the agency that supports Maine technology centers. The correct amount is $37,250.

Lovejoy said it was a welcome surprise to learn they’d be getting $5,000 more in administrative money for the River Valley Technology Center, which is run by the council.

“We were one of four technology centers in the state to get funding,” he said.

At last week’s council meeting, acting council Director Diane Ray said the state awarded a total of $180,000 to the four technology centers. Last year, she said, the council received a $29,000 grant.

“That’s good. Now we just have to deliver,” Ray said of the grant, which requires the RVTC to renew its direction to incubate manufacturing businesses while working with the state manufacturing division.

Lovejoy also said U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine, will present a $25,000 check on Tuesday at the technology center from Brookfield Power Co. of Millinocket to a nonprofit group that wants to rent RVTC space to operate a dental clinic.

The money will be used for a study.

“It’s a good deal for everybody, because people have been going to the hospital for toothaches, or people are going without dental care. There are dentists in town, but they have so many customers, they can’t take any more,” Lovejoy said.

Brookfield Power Co. owns dams on Upper and Lower Richardson Lakes.

“Michaud was instrumental in getting the money. He was so interested in the project,” Lovejoy added.

At last week’s council meeting, Lovejoy said there is also a shortage of dental hygienists in the River Valley.