BANGOR – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a grant of $58,400 to Northern Maine Development Commission, which is based in Caribou. The funds, which are being made available through the USDA’s Rural Development Agency, will be used to develop a Solid Waste Geographic Information System inventory for landfill operators in northern Maine, U.S. Rep. John Baldacci announced Wednesday.

The information gathered from the GIS system will help landfill operators to better manage and operate their facilities. With recent changes in state law governing transfer stations, the commission will also develop a model transfer station operations and maintenance manual for supervisors and operators.

Additionally, the USDA’s Rural Development Agency has awarded a grant of $33,600 to the Eastern Maine Development Corp., based in Bangor. The funding will be used to provide solid waste technical assistance to targeted rural communities in the eastern and central Maine area. This project will focus on reducing the solid waste stream and improving recycling efforts in the service region.

“Having served on the House Agriculture Committee for six years, I am continually pleased by the USDA’s efforts to partner with local communities and public service organizations to accomplish worthy objectives. These two grants will address important needs throughout northern, eastern and central Maine,” Baldacci said.