LINCOLN – Efforts to aid Lincoln’s downtown rebuilding project took a major step forward Friday with the creation of the “Lincoln Relief Fund.”

In four days, two fires destroyed four Main Street buildings and wiped out 10 businesses, which employed about 40 people. Town officials estimate the buildings alone would cost more than $1 million to replace today. The combined public safety – fire, police, public works and water district service expenses for the two fires was $51,686.

The tragedy seems to be bringing out the best in people.

Before the Town Council authorized the creation of the new fund during its special meeting Friday night, donations were already coming in.

Town Manager Glenn Aho will be picking up a check for $1,000 from the city of Brewer on Monday. “Our sister city is donating,” said Aho.

Lincoln and Brewer share a major employer, Eastern Pulp and Paper Co.

“This is a very small symbolic gesture, but we wanted them to understand that as community we share in their sense of loss and also as importantly in their desire to rebuild,” said Stephen Bost, Brewer’s city manager. “This is a way to demonstrate that.”

Bost learned about the relief effort a few days ago and discussed it with members of the city’s council.

Officials of the Calais Booster Club plan to present Town Clerk Lisa Goodwin with a check during the varsity basketball game next Tuesday between the Mattanawcook Academy Lynx and the Calais High School Blue Devils.

The neighboring town of Enfield has offered to donate machinery.

Residents who want to help have set out donation cans in many businesses throughout the town. So far, they have collected $146.32.

Aho said two Bangor television stations have offered to provide airtime to send out the message that Lincoln is open for business, but still needs some help via its new relief fund.

Aho said the fund was created as the result of inquiries from individuals and organizations. “A lot of people have called to offer their help and services,” he said. “In some way in some form, people want to help.”

Chairman Rod Carr agreed. “Everyone, everywhere I’ve been this week … have said how sorry they were to see something like this happen,” he said. Carr said it seemed like everyone has driven through Lincoln and lost a part of it when it burned.

“It is really something when all of the people have come together and have made offers of trying to help us rebuild,” said Carr. “We really appreciate everyone’s generosity.”

He said it was so rewarding to see people come together. “We saw a lot of that during the Sept. 11th ordeal,” he said. ” It really makes you feel great when you live in a country like this, but especially when you live in a small town like this.”

Carr said he was especially touched by the how the Calais girls’ basketball team was out raising money to donate to Lincoln. “These high school kids, who compete against athletes in our area, took up a collection to raise money,” he said.

Speaking for the council, Carr commended the efforts of all municipal employees.

Aho said individuals and groups were offering monetary help to assist in the rebuilding of Lincoln’s Main Street. “We want to make our Main Street not only whole again but we also want to make it better than ever. Together, our community will make it through this trying time and will come out stronger.”

The manager said the relief fund money will be used as a match for downtown business grants, or for downtown improvements, or for downtown beautification, depending on the size of the fund. “There is a deficit between the actual cost of rebuilding downtown and the amount of state and federal money we may receive,” he said.

The Lincoln Town Council is the trustee of the relief fund. Aho said all donations will be used specifically for downtown redevelopment projects. “The donations will be used solely to benefit the rebuilding of downtown,” he said. Donations will not be used as part of the town’s general fund.

The manager and Town Office staff have been working around the clock on a plan to rebuild the downtown. Aho will meet with various development officials, lawmakers and members of the Maine Congressional Delegation on Monday regarding state and federal assistance.

People and various groups can make donations in several ways: in person at the Lincoln Town Office; by mailing checks to the Lincoln Relief Fund in care of the Lincoln Town Office 75 Main Street, Lincoln 04457; or by calling (877) 788-8158. Information about the new fund is available on the town’s Web site at www.lincolnmaine.org. All donations are tax deductible.