Subject:   Ellsworth Child Care Proposal Lands Loan
Date:       Monday, April 25, 2002
Contact:    Phyllis Young or Luann Corkins Tel. 667-2995

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Child and Family Opportunities Inc. of Ellsworth will receive nearly $1 million in low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support construction of a proposed Head Start/child care facility in Ellsworth.

Currently before the Ellsworth Planning Board for review, the project is designed to serve 60 children and create 10 new jobs. As proposed to the planning board, the center could offer child-care for as many as 24 infants and 51 three- to five-year-olds. The facility would be located on Avery Lane, which is off of Beechland Road.

The organization is expected to appear before the Planning Board again in either May or June. It is hoping to start construction by July 1.

“At a time when Maine parents face lengthy waiting lists for child care, this loan will help meet a documented need with an outstanding new facility,” Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins said in a joint statement after the loan funds were awarded.