LEWISTON – The state has awarded McMahon Elementary School $1 million to pay for an addition.

McMahon houses 475 students in kindergarten through Grade 6. The school currently uses four portable classrooms to accommodate students. Because space is so tight, the computer lab is located in the locker room and tutors often work with students on the school stage.

“They’re really cramped for space,” said Superintendent Leon Levesque.

The Maine Department of Education notified the Lewiston School Department last week that the overcrowded school qualified for a $1 million no-interest loan under the state’s Revolving Renovation Fund.

The program helps schools pay for building improvements and renovations.

The state will forgive about 47 percent of the loan, or about $469,000. Lewiston will have to repay the remaining $531,000 over 10 years.

The School Committee must still vote to accept the funds. School officials will offer the committee a plan for moving forward in the fall.