U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in the opening ceremony for the expanded early childhood education center at Eastern Maine Community College’s Katahdin Region Higher Education Center in East Millinocket, Maine. This renovation is intended to improve access to childcare and enhance job training resources for residents in the community.
Funding for Expansion
Funding for the $4 million expansion was secured by Senator Collins through Congressionally Directed Spending, which was part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill. In her remarks, Collins underscored the Center’s significance, noting that it will provide essential training and educational opportunities for local residents and the regional workforce. The project aims to integrate childcare, higher education, and job training resources into a single location, promoting economic growth in the Katahdin region.
Diverse Range of Programs
The facility offers a diverse range of programs, including certificate programs and master’s degrees, as well as customized training and apprenticeships tailored for local businesses. On-site childcare services are provided through the Katahdin Region Child Development Center, which was established in collaboration with Penquis and the Katahdin Higher Education Center.
Broader Economic Redevelopment Efforts
In addition to supporting this center, Senator Collins has also facilitated funding for broader economic redevelopment efforts in the greater Millinocket area. This includes over $7.8 million allocated for the renovation of a former paper mill site in East Millinocket, along with more than $53 million in federal transportation grants aimed at restoring inactive rail lines in several counties. These initiatives are part of a strategy to establish a freight rail connection to the One North Bio-Industrial Park in Millinocket.
(Source: Collins Senate Newsroom)