LEWISTON, Maine — Editor's note: This video originally aired on Feb. 28, 2019.
The federal government provides $1 million to help renovate a landmark mill building in Lewiston.
The money, which will be used to fix the roof of Bates Mill #5, was approved by both chambers of Congress, said Maine Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Rep. Jared Golden.
In 2019, NEWS CENTER Maine wrote a story about the revitalization of the Bates Mill Complex. The mill produced bedspreads and employed more than 5,000 workers before it transitioned to become a residential space and commerce center.
Tom Platz and his brother purchased the Bates Mill Complex from the City of Lewiston in 1996 with a vision toward revitalization.
The mill serves as a gateway to Lewiston, and revitalizing it will help it serve as a critical source of jobs again, Collins said.
And the renovation of the roof is one of the last needed steps before the building can be occupied, according to Collins, a Republican, King, an independent, and Golden, a Democrat.
The lawmakers said the roof work and removal of contaminants, including asbestos, had been hurdles to finding new occupants to the site for years.
Golden said the renovation is "an important step toward merging Lewiston's history and pride with new economic development opportunities, good-paying jobs, and a vibrant downtown."
"These funds will create exciting new economic opportunities that will strengthen the Lewiston community and create good jobs for the region," King said.
Collins echoed similar sentiments.
"This investment will pave the way for the revitalization of this historic building so that it will once again serve as a hub for jobs and economic opportunities," Collins said.