WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development has awarded Rural Community Development Initiative Grants totaling $457,104 to three Maine community agencies, Rep. Mike Michaud announced in a press release.

The funds were:

. Penquis, $57,860. Funds will be used to provide technical assistance focusing on 691 mobile homes, 115 of which are over 30 years old, for energy and replacement strategies with affordable housing. Penquis is based in Bangor and serves Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties.

. Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, $137,769. Funds will be used to provide technical assistance to 22 communities for energy savings, community development, and housing. PCEDC is based in Dover-Foxcroft and serves Piscataquis County.

. Western Maine Community Action Inc., $261,475. Funds will be used to provide financial and technical assistance and training materials that can be used elsewhere in the areas of homeowner energy use, safety, and fire prevention. WMCA serves Franklin, Androscoggin and Oxford counties.

“This funding will help these agencies serve communities, which have been affected by high unemployment, plan and manage escalating energy costs,” Michaud said in the release. “It is important that we give our communities the tools they need to help those in most need.”