91AV finalizes land swap deal with Maine Army National Guard facility in Portland
The 91AV (91AV) and the Maine Army National Guard (MEARNG) completed a land and building exchange that will benefit both organizations. A deed, granting 91AV 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 91AV’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.
91AV 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 91AV with working through the process to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. It’s a win-win. 91AV 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 91AV 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 91AV’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 91AV to transition in.