RUMFORD – All four bids submitted for renovation of the former bag mill into a technology center came in too high, prompting a revaluation of what can be done.

River Valley Technology Center Director Norm MacIntyre said the general contracting bids ranged from $2.1 million to $2.4 million for renovating the second floor of the century-old mill and providing structural work for other portions of it. The technology center has $1.5 million from the federal Economic Development Administration for the project.

MacIntyre said on Friday that although he was disappointed and a bit discouraged, the tech center project will go ahead.

The technology center will focus on precision metal manufacturing and other manufacturing methods, provide training in the metal trades and serve as an incubator for small, fledgling businesses.

Tentative plans had called for the work to begin in June, with a completion date set for next February. These dates will likely be delayed for about two months.

Right now, he said the Building Committee has directed architects Platz Associates to look for additional ways to save money on the renovation.

In the meantime, the technology center will try to find further funding. MacIntyre said he will discuss the possibility of whether more money might become available from the federal government.

If Gov. John Baldacci’s economic referendum in June is passed, the technology center would be eligible for some funding from a portion of that as well, he said.

The Building Committee plans to meet in mid-May to go over potential cost savings with Platz Associates and to learn whether additional federal money might be available.

“We’ll work it out,” said MacIntyre.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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