MACHIAS — Authors Stephen and Tabitha King have given a $250,000 boost to a campaign to complete construction of a center for lifelong learning at the University of Maine at Machias.

UMM President Paul Nordstrom said the grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation provides a significant base for the $2.5 million second phase of a capital campaign to construct an Internet cafe, child care facilities, conference rooms and an expanded bookstore on the Machias campus.

“This major contribution is just the boost we needed to launch efforts to raise the funds needed for Phase II,” Nordstrom said. “We are proud and grateful that the Kings have invested in this important project and in our campus and region.”

The university announced plans to construct a center for lifelong learning, including an Olympic-size swimming pool, in late 1997. Fund raising for the $3 million needed for the first phase was completed last fall.

The Olympic-size swimming pool, lockers and bookstore are expected to be completed in August.

Campaign Co-chairmen Ken and Barbara Manchester said they are thrilled with the Kings’ gift.

“We speak for the people here in sending heartfelt thanks and gratitude for contributing to the center, which we know will make a difference in the lives of the people of Washington County for many years to come,” they said in a prepared statement Monday.

Nordstrom said UMM has already begun a search for a director and aquatics director for the pool.