$250,000 in Agricultural Development Grants Announced by Commissioner Walt Whitcomb

 

AUGUSTA CIVIC CENTER – Commissioner Walt Whitcomb announced eight (8) Agricultural Development Grant Program awards totaling nearly $250,000 at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show today. The projects address needs in the agricultural industry for development of livestock processing; improved utilization and profitability of Maine grown crops; product enhancements for nutrition and/or food safety; and alternative markets or diversification including merchandising, farm stands, rural tours and educational opportunities.

“Maine has the most farms and the greatest diversity of food production in New England,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “The potential to produce and sell Maine products is even greater when you consider Maine’s reputation for quality and the growing interest in locally grown foods. The investments being announced today strengthen Maine agriculture and will help farmers and producers realize their full economic potential.” 

Commissioner Walt Whitcomb highlighted the efforts of the review committee and its careful selection of projects from dozens of competitive applications.

“Selected proposals incorporated one or more of four priorities: development of livestock processing; improved utilization and profitability of Maine grown crops; product enhancements for nutrition and/or food safety; and alternative markets or diversification including merchandising, farm stands, rural tours and educational opportunities,” said Whitcomb. “We congratulate the grantees and look forward to successful implementation of their projects.”

The preliminary selections were chosen by a review committee from 30 qualified proposals submitted in response to a formal Request For Proposals (RFP). Out of the total thirty (30) qualified proposals received and reviewed by a committee in a competitive review process, eight (8) projects have been tentatively identified pending approval by the State of Maine Purchases Division and the successful completion of a State of Maine contract. These projects have been identified as:

• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (Wiscasset) - Ethnic Produce: Crop Diversification for Maine Farmers to Reach New Markets
• Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine (Orono) - 2016 Wild Blueberry Metro Marketing Program
• Lakeside Family Farm (Newport) - Farm-to-Workplace: Bringing More Maine Food to Maine People
• Bartlettyarns, Inc. (Harmony) - Commercial Wool Baler
• Apple Ridge Farms, Inc. (Appleton) - New Technology Vinegar Acetator
• Aroostook Hops, LLC (Westfield) - Creating a hop pelletizing facility to produce Maine-grown and pelletized hops
• Appleton Creamery (Appleton) - Appleton Cheese Trail
• LaJoie Growers, LLC (Van Buren) - Diversifying Farm Products with Cold Storage Capacity

Agricultural Development Grant Program

In 2014, the Legislature approved Department language that improved access to the Agricultural Development Fund. The Department identified the agricultural industry need for accelerating new market development, adoption of improved technology and promotion of agricultural products produced in Maine.  

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may allocate the grant funds among projects involving market research, market promotion, or a combination of those activities for the purpose of expanding existing markets and developing new markets for agricultural products produced in Maine; or for testing and demonstrating new technologies related to the production, storage or processing of State agricultural products.

It is anticipated that another Agricultural Development Fund RFP will be released in the future.

Governor LePage Issues Emergency Declaration to Assist Mainers to Keep Warm

01/13/2016 02:39 PM EST

 AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage has signed an Emergency Proclamation allowing Maine fuel transport and delivery trucks to drive additional hours to ensure timely heating fuel deliveries during the cold winter weather.

"The declaration allows heating fuel to be delivered to Maine families when they need it most," Governor LePage said. "Keeping homes warm is critical to protect the public health and safety of Mainers."

Heating fuel and bulk petroleum products in Maine continue to be in great demand due to a number of factors, including cold winter weather and regional and national storage and supply issues. Much of the heating fuels and bulk petroleum products are being delivered from outside of the State of Maine, which adds to the delivery time.

The Governor's proclamation waives U.S. Department of Transportation rules and extends the hours of service for heating fuel transport and delivery trucks within the State of Maine through February 11, 2016.

The Declaration language is as follows:

Governor's Emergency Proclamation for US-DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service Waiver

WHEREAS, heating fuel and bulk petroleum products in Maine continue to be in great demand due to a number of factors, including cold winter weather; and

WHEREAS, much of the heating fuels and bulk petroleum products are being delivered from outside of the State of Maine, adding to delivery time; and

WHEREAS, homes and businesses alike are impacted; and

WHEREAS, federal motor carrier safety regulations determine the number of hours the drivers of heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery and transport vehicles may operate; and

WHEREAS, many drivers in the State will shortly be approaching their federal limit on hours of operation and may have to cease delivery of heating fuel and bulk petroleum fuels; and

WHEREAS, these conditions threaten essential public health and safety services and endanger public property if heating fuels and bulk petroleum products cannot be transported or delivered within the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS, the declaration of a State of Emergency will facilitate the granting of a waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 to allow relief from 49 CFR parts 390 through 399, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, and subject to the limitations described below, and therefore allow heating fuels, specifically fuel oil, propane and natural gas delivery and transport drivers to operate additional hours; and

WHEREAS, motor carriers that are not directly supporting fuel delivery in the State of Maine, or that have an Out-Of-Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulation that such a declaration provides under 49 CFR 390.23,

NOW THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Maine, find that these conditions constitute a civil emergency under 37-B M.R.S.A. section 742, and for the purpose pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 of facilitating a waiver to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency within Maine for heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery drivers as of January 12, 2016 through February 11, 2016.

Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby order the following:

1. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this emergency declaration shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies a motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given a least ten (10) consecutive hours off-duty before the driver is required to return to service.

2. Drivers operating under this proclamation shall carry a copy of the proclamation with them as evidence of their direct support to the State of Maine during this emergency period.

Paul R. LePage Governor

Obituary: Daryl Ray Curtner

Daryl Ray Curtner
June 3, 1971 - December 24, 2015

ROCHESTER – Daryl Ray Curtner, 44, passed away as a result of injuries he received when he was struck by a car crossing the road, during foggy conditions in Epsom, N.H., on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2015. Daryl was born in Portsmouth, N.H., on June 3, 1971, to Patsy L. Curtner (French) and Charles R. Curtner. The fourth child, youngest and only son. Daryl was a born "tinkerer" at the age of eight he was repairing bicycles of friends and dirt bikes of older boys in Maple Haven where he grew up. His warm, loving heart was extended to many. He excelled and was promoted at many places of employment during his life. Daryl was preceded in death by Patsy Curtner (1998) and Charles Curtner (2014). He leaves behind sisters: Veronica Terrio of Dover, N.H., Rhonda Walmsley of Rochester, N.H., Karen Gagnon of Lebanon, Maine. His only son, Jordan Paul Tobin, of Dover, N.H. Nephews and Nieces: Blaine Eaton of Rochester, N.H., Christopher Walmsley of Kalamazoo, Mich., Chandra Walmsley of Dover, N.H., and Collin Walmsley of Honolulu, H.I. An Uncle: Justin French of Virginia and many cousins. Daryl was married, but separated, to Christina Curtner (Powers). He was a loved Step-Dad to: Felicia, Dallas, Tiffany, and Jason Powers along with Brian, Brandon, and Cody Tobin. Special friends and loved ones: Gail, Kyla, Christie, Sherry, John, Charlotte, Katera, Chantel, Candace, Melanie, Beth, Michelle and many more. Revelations 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. Daryl you are not struggling or suffering now, but you are so loved and will be so missed. We will look forward to seeing you again one day. Our hearts and prayers go out to the driver of the vehicle. SERVICES: No public funeral services will be held. Donations to help with final services can be sent to Rhonda Walmsley, 9 Darby Lane, Rochester, N.H., 03839. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fosters/obituary.aspx?n=daryl-ray-curtner&pid=177263986#sthash.sTjhcuY5.dpuf

Maine Office of Tourism Awards $110,000 in Enterprise Marketing Grants

01/13/2016 10:39 AM EST

AUGUSTA - The Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) has awarded over $110,000 in Enterprise Marketing Grants and Special Event Marketing Grants to 12 applicants through the MOT's Maine Tourism Marketing Partner Program.

The Tourism Enterprise Marketing Grants program was established in 2014 to support the tourism-related projects of smaller organizations with funding that can help them grow or launch new initiatives. Grants are reviewed and awarded biannually, and range from $2,500-$10,000.

"These grants will help connect visitors to some of Maine's distinctive experiences, and expand awareness of the diversity of these adventure, culinary, cultural and retail experiences throughout the state," said Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Tourism.

Projects supported in the fall 2015 grant cycle are:

Shop Second Saturday, Retail Association of Maine- $10,000 - Funds will support video creation and paid advertising on broadcast, digital and social media to attract visitors to Maine each month for a weekend of specials statewide.

Emerge Film Festival - $5,750 - 2016 is the second year for this well-organized Lewiston/Auburn -based festival. Funds will expand efforts to reach a broader Maine and out-of-state market and build visitation during Maine's "shoulder season" in April.

Acadia National Park Centennial, Friends of Acadia - $6,600 - Funds will expand promotion of this year long, world-welcoming celebration and once-in-a-lifetime event that will attract visitors nationally and globally, in coordination with the National Park Service 100th anniversary celebration in 2016.

Freeport USA - $10,000 - The grant will help fund the creation of a series of 30-second YouTube videos to showcase the experiences Freeport has to offer to a younger market through social media.

Maine Fiberarts - $5,000 - Maine Fiberarts promotes a statewide network of fiber artists, crafters and farms. Funds will support the production and distribution of Fiberarts Trip Itinerary Cards.

Maine Science Festival - $6,000 - This well-attended festival offers free admission and attracts families to the Bangor area during the shoulder season in late March. Funding will provide assets to reach the tech-savvy participants through social media.

Maine Island Trail Association - $3,500 - Funds will support digital advertising to attract out-of-state boaters to the MITA website, and promote awareness of the Trail App download for exploring Maine's 375-mile recreational coastal waterway.

Maine Whoopie Pie Festival - $5,000 - Celebrating Maine's official snack, this Dover-Foxcroft -based festival will promote a Whoopie Pie Trail through bakeries and the surrounding community with printed materials, radio ads, and social media.

Rangeley Lake Chamber - $5,000 - Funds will support an upgrade to the Chamber website to a responsive, mobile-friendly site, readily accessible to the four-season travelers to the Rangeley Lakes area.

Orrington Old Home Week - $2,650 - This summer festival celebrates Orrington's heritage with a wide range of activities in the Orrington and Bucksport area. Funds will support local broadcast and digital marketing, attracting visitors in the local market and enhancing the visitor experience.

Sanford International Film Festival - $9,200 - The Sanford International Film Festival provides a platform for the works of budding independent filmmakers. Funding will support an online campaign reaching a very targeted film-going audience.

Special Event Marketing Grants are designed to provide support to existing, well-established events with a broad impact on the state economy to help expand their audience. A fall 2015 Special Event Grant has been awarded to:

Maine Craft Weekend - $42,500 - Funds will support the promotion of this statewide tour of Maine craft studios, breweries, shops and events for October 2016.

The next Enterprise Marketing Grant and Special Event Marketing Grant cycle will be in Spring 2016, with applications due in May. For more information about the MOT Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program call Phil Savignano at 207-624-9809, or visit http://visitmaine.com/mtmpp/