Health centers, research initiatives getting $1.7M

AUGUSTA (AP) — Health centers and research initiatives in Maine are getting more than $1.7 million from the federal government.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Angus King said the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Portland Community Health Center more than $350,000. The Katahdin Valley Health Center is getting more than $960,000.

The department also awarded funding to Jackson Laboratory and Bates College to support their research efforts. Jackson Laboratory will receive $87,500 for clinical research related to neurological disorders. Bates College will get more than $345,000 for study of Lyme disease.

Seaweed festival to highlight state’s growing industry

SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) — A state festival hopes to show the public that the future is here, and it’s covered in seaweed.

The Maine Seaweed Festival will take place on Aug. 29 at the South Portland campus of Southern Maine Community College. Organizers say they want attendants to “ride the wave of our fisheries’ future” and incorporate seaweed into their daily life.

The festival will highlight different uses of seaweed and celebrate harvesters, farmers, fishermen and processors who play a role the state’s seaweed industry.

State data shows that Maine seaweed experienced a record year in 2014. The harvest was more than 17.7 million pounds last year.