Schools can apply for construction, renovation funds

The Maine Department of Education will accept applications from schools seeking to secure financing under the federal Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) and Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) programs through Oct. 14, 2011.

QSCB funds can be used for the construction, rehabilitation or repair of a public school facility, or for the acquisition of land on which such a facility is to be constructed.

QZAB funds can be used to pay for the rehabilitation or repair of a school facility, equipment purchases, development of course materials, and training for teachers and other personnel. A school administrative unit issuing a QZAB must meet certain rural and poverty characteristics and is required to obtain a 10 percent matching grant from a private entity.

The QSCB and QZAB programs are tax credit bond programs, not grant programs.

Applications and additional information are available on the school facilities section of the Department of Education website at:  http://www.maine.gov/education/const/ffp/home.htm.

Resources and more information

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