Mexico ready to apply for grant

MEXICO -- This community is now making plans to apply for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant that, combined with other funds, would enable the installation of water and sewer lines on South Main and Alder streets, and water lines on a portion of Osgood Avenue.

At the Board of Selectmen's meeting on Dec. 14, Town Manager John Madigan said their letter of intent to apply for the CBDG funds was successful. That's because the majority of people in the 62 residences on all three streets met the criteria for low and moderate income, a criteria for the grant monies. Helping to compile the data was the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments.

"We did it," he noted. "I want to thank the people on those streets who participated in the income survey."

The application is due by Jan. 21. A public hearing for the CDBG application will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 11, just before the regular selectmen's meeting.

The utilities project is part of an overall $1.4 million upgrade for the three streets. Once the utility lines are installed, the streets will be reconstructed and paved.

If the grant is received, work will begin in the spring.

In other business, the board accepted with regret the resignation of Dave McDonald, who has served some 20 years as a trustee with the Mexico Water District. About one-and-a-half years remains on his three-year term. The town will advertise for the board-appointed position.

Taxicab licenses were granted to Courtesy Cab, Road Hog Express and Mountain Valley Taxi. An automobile graveyard/junkyard license renewal was approved for James Cogley, d/b/a Cogley's Auto Parts on Route 120.