BIDDEFORD (AP) – The University of New England broke ground Monday for a new building and library named in honor of former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara.

The three-story George and Barbara Bush Center will feature a student cafe, administrative offices and the Bush Legacy Library, which will chronicle the Maine history of the 41st president and his wife.

The Bush family compound is located at Walker’s Point in nearby Kennebunkport, and Bush has spent part of every year of his life in Maine except during World War II, when he was deployed in the Pacific Ocean. His time spent golfing and fishing off the Maine coast in his speedboat are well-documented.

The library will be linked to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University to offer academic programming, shared speakers and other opportunities for UNE students and faculty as well as Maine residents.

The $5 million building is scheduled to open late next summer.

“When you consider how much Maine means to George H.W. Bush, it’s hard to believe there isn’t something which bears his name in the state to honor him,” said UNE Provost Jacque Carter.

Bush talked during the ceremony about his affinity for the state, with Gen. Brent Scowcroft, the U.S. national security adviser during Bush’s presidency, giving the keynote address.

Former Maine Gov. John McKernan attended the ceremony, as did Paul Celucci, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada and Massachusetts governor.

AP-ES-10-01-07 1353EDT

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