ALFRED- Maine – Dump trucks groaned their way across the roadway to the building site. Heavy machinery smoothed dirt, preparing the site for new buildings, designed to change lives – to make a difference.
Within 18 -24 months, there will be two new buildings on the space recently carved out on Layman Way. One, a substance use recovery center will help people release themselves from the grip of substance misuse. The other will be a training facility for first responders – where law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, emergency managers, dispatchers and others can receive ongoing instruction to keep their skills in tip-top shape and learn new ones.
On Thursday, Nov 21, 35 days after site preparation began, York County Commissioners and others each scooped up a bit of dirt in their shovels – symbolically breaking ground on the new projects. In so doing, they were also breaking brand new ground in Maine, with the first two projects of their kind in the state initiated by a county government.
“The Board of York County Commissioners said they wanted to invest in people – to make a generational impact,” said York County Manager Greg Zinser. “They said we want to invest in something that is going to make a change.”
Making a change was something Kennebunk Police Chief Robert Mackenzie sought to do as he began his law enforcement career 36 years ago when he would talk with those he arrested for driving under the influence.
“it was important to me to find out what was going on with them,” a member of the Recovery Center Committee, told those assembled. That compassion continued through the years and intensified as opioids became prevalent across the country and across the county, touching many, including family members.
“When people are struggling and need help, you want to seize that opportunity,” said Mackenzie noting that services have not always readily available, especially in York County. “That opportunity may not be there in an hour; this facility will change that; it will save lives.
York County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeremy Forbes said the training center will provide officers with the latest tools, the most current training methods, and the kind of real-world scenarios that can’t be replicated in the classroom. He said it will aid recruiting efforts and in retaining those already employed.
“Ultimately, the people it will benefit the most are the citizens of York County…this facility will ensure that our first responders are better trained and better equipped to handle whatever challenges arise,” Forbes said.
“The training facility has been a dream for my lifetime, and it is finally coming to fruition,” said York County government’s Roger Hooper, who has been coordinating plans for the training center. Instruction learned there, in partnership with other agencies like York County Community College, will make for a better, more competent first responder, Hooper said.
The projects together are expected to cost about $44 million, much of which is funded though the county’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act, through Congressionally Designated Spending, grants, and other funds. York County government will own and operate the two buildings and will hire staff to operate them, said Zinser.
“The county recognized two significant needs and addressed them,” said York County Sheriff William L. King. “I am honored to be part of this innovative approach ensuring our first responders have first class, up-to-date training in a facility designed especially for that purpose, as well as filling a crucial gap in accessible treatment options for those struggling with addiction.”
The buildings were designed by Lassel Architects, and Landry French Construction is providing design build services. Oak Point Associates and Sebago Technics have been involved in the projects.
US Senator Susan Collins, (R-Maine) through aide Pam Buck, noted that she and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) worked together to secure $1.8 million to equip a state-of-the-art training center and noted more than $1.9 million will help people struggling with substance use disorder receive the services they need to improve their health and wellbeing.
“I applaud the elected officials and staff of Maine’s First County for their success in addressing two critical needs in the 29 towns and cities they serve.” said Collins in a statement. “These two projects are outstanding examples of a communities working together to plan and build for the future.”
In a statement, Sen. King welcomed the county’s two initiatives.
“Maine is one big community, and we have an obligation to one another to ensure we not only survive, but thrive,” said Sen. King. “I am excited that York County’s leadership is demonstrating their commitment to community by constructing a new substance use disorder recovery center and first responder training facility. These two projects are an important step forward in working together to take care of one another and create a brighter tomorrow for all Maine people.”
“The training center will ensure that those working as first responders – where safety really counts – have the latest and best training around,” York County Commission Chair Richard Dutremble told those on hand to witness the groundbreaking.
He pointed out that the recovery center will provide 50 detox, short- and long-term residential beds for those looking to change their lives, along with eight observation beds, ensuring immediate care.
“It will provide hope, healing, and tangible recovery,” said Dutremble.
York County Commissioners and others celebrated the start of construction on a new substance use recovery center and a first responders training center on Thursday, Nov. 21. Officially breaking ground, from the left, are Tyler Barter of Oak Point Associates, Sarah Hourihane of Lassel Architects, Denis Garriepy of Landry French, York County Commissioners Justin Chenette, Richard Dutremble, Robert Andrews, Dinna Ring and Richard Clark and York County Manager Greg Zinser.
York County Commissioners and others got together Thursday Nov,. 21 to officially break ground on a new county government owned and operated recovery center and a new first responders training center. The buildings are expected to be complete in 18-24 months.