The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that Maine will receive Recovery Act funding for projects in Dexter, Norway and Indian Township.

The funding is part of $242.3 million being funded nationwide through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program, which is being matched with $58.4 million from other sources. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

$40,000 -- Dexter Regional Development Corporation -- the funding will be used to purchase equipment for a farmers' market. The Dexter Community Farmer's Project is an initiative in the Town of Dexter to support local farmers by opening a year-round farmer's market to provide farmers another avenue to sell their food products and promote healthy eating. This project will market food items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. This project will also feature a kitchen component that will have a variety of uses such as to host an array of workshops for the farmers and the community, as well as, hold workshops and classes which will include, but are not limited to: cooking classes, food preparation seminars, and farmer demonstrations.

$110,600 -- Indian Township Passamaquoddy Reservation Health Center -- the funding will be used for renovations to the health center, including a new roof, repairs to leaking foundations, and grading & paving the driveway.

$84,000 -- The Progress Center, Inc. in Norway -- the funding will be used to renovate a community soup kitchen.

• "These USDA investments are very important to rural communities in Maine. They not only help improve community infrastructure, but they also create much needed jobs." - Congressman Mike Michaud