Friday, May 9, 2025
5/9/2025
Congressionally Directed Spending for Construction Projects - Project Abstract: New EHC Community Health Center Facility 75 Key Street Eastport, Maine 04631 Project Director: Ellen Krajewski, ekrajewski@eastporthealth.com; Web site: www.eastporthealth.org (under revision) In January 2024, EHC, a Federally Qualified Health Center with locations in Eastport and Machias, purchased 75 Key Street, 2.8 acres of land in Eastport, Maine, for construction of a new community health center. This purchase is a result of many years of planning for improved health center space. EHC Eastport is currently located at 30 Boynton Street, Eastport. We have been at this location since 1978, and it has served EHC patients and community extremely well. Renovations and additions have been added over the years. With increased patient demand and expanded services, EHC is ready for expansion. We have procured an ideal 2.8 acres of cleared land that allows both pedestrian foot traffic from town, as well as easy vehicle access from County Road, the single point of access to Eastport from Route 1 and the causeway, The EHC Board of Directors, together with staff and the communities we serve, is poised to renew our physical presence and replace an important community health and economic resource for Eastport and surrounding area. EHC is planning to build a 18,000 sq. ft. facility that includes expanded Primary Care, Behavioral Health and Dental Services; as well as a Diabetes Center, an In-House Pharmacy, and a Community Room, complete with Kitchen, all accessible through a central atrium. The building will have two floors with elevator and stairwell access, and a technology and security backbone that is state of the art. EHC is also exploring solar back-up power initiatives. The facility design will reflect the best of Downeast Maine’s New England Coast heritage. EHC received $281,400 from USDA Emergency Rural Health Care Community Facilities Grant Program (7 C.F.R. part 3570, subpart B, CFDA Number 10.766). EHC has agreed to provide an applicant injection match of $230,372.00. In addition, EHC received a Maine CDC District Public Health Infrastructure Improvement Project grant in the amount of $80,400 to provide back-up generator support for both EHC Machias and the new EHC Eastport facilities. EHC is also exploring solar incentive programming, as well as additional grant funding for the project, which has an expected budget of nearly $13 Million. EHC believes that offering essential health care services at one location supports our patients. The new facility will promote integrated care, including communication with EHC Care Managers, Educators, and Community Health Workers helping patients manage their health and access needed resources. EHC is nationally recognized for its quality care and for being patient-centered, and our new facility is an opportunity to deepen that focus and commitment. In recognition of our strong history of patients accessing our services by foot, and in honor of the much appreciated fields of Lupine thriving on the new property to date, EHC is planning a Lupine Lane Walking Path that includes plantings of Lupine and benches. EHC’s vision is to meet primary care, dental, and behavioral health needs in Washington County with innovative, affordable treatment. Leading through listening, learning through partnership, and serving through collaboration makes us agents of change for better health outcomes in Washington County.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).