Government gives youth group grant

AUGUSTA — The Maine College Conservation Corps, comprising of 20 young people who perform a variety of public service projects, will receive a $276,100 grant this year through the government’s new Americorps program.

The group is one of five organizations in Maine participating in Americorps, the national service program that President Clinton launched this week.

Also, Gov. John R. McKernan announced that he has appointed 19 people to a new Maine Commission for Community Service, which will oversee the MCCC and coordinate with the other Americorps-funded programs in Maine.

The MCCC will work around the state on various projects, including rerouting trails in four state parks — Camden Hills, Baxter, Lake St. George and Reid — as well as in Bangor, Bethel and several tracts managed by the Bureau of Public Lands, MCCC coordinator David Gerkens said Wednesday.

They also will reinforce shoreline access points along the Allagash River and the West Branch of the Penobscot River, and operate a recycling center in Unity, Gerkens said.

Members of the MCCC will live and attend classes at Unity College during their year of service. At the end of the year, each will receive a payment of $4,725 to cover college tuition or pay off students loans.