JACKMAN — The Newton Field Airport will undergo an expansion next spring using a grant awarded Tuesday from a national commission that focuses on the development of land along the Canadian border, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-2nd District.

The $68,065 grant announced Tuesday will be used to expand the apron and hangar infrastructure, a project that will cost about $1.36 million, according to the release. The Northern Border Regional Commission also awarded $200,000 to the town of Dover-Foxcroft to refurbish a hydroelectric plant at the former Mayo Mill as part of its Riverfront Redevelopment Project, according to the release.

It says the airport project will create paved taxi lanes to a new six-unit T-hangar, provide a prepared site for a future 60-foot-by-60-foot box hangar and install electrical and storm water infrastructure.

Jackman Town Manager Kathleen MacKenzie said the project is expected to create temporary construction jobs in the area as well as permanent jobs in the hotel and food service industries.

In March the town estimated that about 5 percent of the project’s cost would have to come from taxpayers, but now the entire cost will be covered by the grant, which is funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and Maine Department of Transportation.

MacKenzie said construction will begin next spring and is expected to take about two months to complete.

Rachel Ohm — 612-2368
rohm@centralmaine.com