51С�Ƴ�

The University of 51С�Ƴ� (UNE) and the Maine Army National Guard  (MEARNG) completed a land and building exchange that will benefit both organizations.  A deed, granting 51С�Ƴ�ownership of the Guard facility on Stevens Avenue, was recorded on Wednesday. The 65 thousand square foot building is located on approximately nine acres and adjacent to UNE’s Portland Campus on Stevens Avenue. In the unique deal, the University gave the Maine Army National Guard 29 acres of land in Saco where they can build a modern Readiness Center to support the Guard’s mission.   

University of 51С�Ƴ� President Danielle Ripich said, “This is a deal that has been in the works for a number of years, and I credit both the Guard and the team at 51С�Ƴ�with working through the process to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. It’s a win-win.  51С�Ƴ�will be able to expand its presence at the Portland campus and add much needed space for programmatic growth. The Guard will get the space it needs to do its work.”

The Acting Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard, Brigadier General Gerard F. Bolduc said, “The relationship between the Maine National Guard and the University of 51С�Ƴ� has been mutually beneficial to both organizations. The land swap will allow us the ability to create a state of the art facility to serve the great citizens of Maine. It has been a pleasure working with UNE’s leadership. The additional acreage in Saco allows for potential expansion and greater onsite training for our soldiers. The location will provide safer access for our vehicles and equipment.”

Nationally, many of the armories have moved to locations closer to the main highways to allow for quicker deployment.

It will take several months for the Guard to transition out of the Stevens Avenue facility and for 51С�Ƴ�to transition in.