Governor Janet Mills has allocated $100,000 from her contingency fund to ensure the continued operation of the Katahdin Higher Education Center in East Millinocket, providing crucial bridge funding while a sustainable long-term plan is developed for the facility. The center, a vital resource for northern Penobscot County, offers higher education, workforce training, and essential child care services.
The funding comes after the University of Maine System announced its withdrawal from the partnership with the Katahdin Center earlier this year, part of a broader effort to reduce its physical footprint. The Governor's intervention, directed to the Maine Community College System, will maintain the center's services, including the on-site child care.
Governor Mills emphasized the center's importance, saying, "For nearly four decades, the Katahdin Higher Education Center has helped working families in the Katahdin region pursue a degree, earn a credential, access training, and access child care for their children as they build a better future close to home." She added that this "one-time bridge funding from my contingency account will keep this critical resource open while a working group develops a long-term plan." Maine Community College System President David Daigler expressed gratitude, stating, "The Katahdin Higher Education Center is an important part of the community and we look forward to working with our partners to develop a sustainable, long-plan to continue offering affordable, accessible workforce training and child care in the community."
East Millinocket Selectman Mike Michaud and Eastern Maine Development Corporation President and CEO Lee Umphrey also lauded the Governor's support, highlighting the center's role in education, workforce training, and economic opportunity. The Maine Community College System has already formed a working group at the Governor's request to secure the center's future for years to come.