FARMINGTON — Changes to a tax increment financing program have allowed groups in Franklin County’s unorganized territories to receive funding for new tourism and economic development projects, said a county commissioner.

After adopting the program amendments last year, Franklin County commissioners approved the first round of funding earlier this month. They awarded $85,774 through the program for a variety of groups. The money will be used for a range of things, from employment training scholarships to recreational trail upgrades.

The new funding stream, which expanded the program’s eligibility criteria, is a major benefit for residents living in the unorganized territories, said Commissioner Gary McGrane.

Program officials will start in April to look for similar projects for the next round of funding, with the application process expected to last until late July. There will be schedules of planning workshops and other program meeting announced in the coming weeks.

Although most of the program’s money doesn’t go directly to the residents, the projects should help boost tourism and support the economy in their communities, McGrane said. He added that the amendments, which needed state government approval, have given a more effective model for similar programs.

The TIF district was formed in 2008 to provide public assistance for financing of the Kibby wind energy project. The wind farm, which started with 44 turbines and added 11 more, was developed on Kibby Mountain and Kibby Ridge by TransCanada Maine Wind Development.

Under the agreement, the wind company and county’s unorganized territories share a large portion of taxes generated by the project for 20 years, with the company getting up to $8.9 million and the county retaining up to $4 million, program documents state.

Private, non-profit or government organizations can submit proposals for most eligible activities. Before the amendments passed, the program couldn’t award funds to certain tourist attraction upgrades, scenic byway site improvements and other activities, McGrane said.

“It’s actually getting people onto the trails and visiting these communities,” he said, referring to funds going to promote and improve tourist attractions.

Projects are evaluated by a county committee that makes recommendations about program funding to county commissioners, according to Alison Hagerstrom, executive director of Greater Franklin Development Corporation.

A certain amount of program funding is available each year for different categories. For example, Routes 27 and 17 scenic byway improvements is projected to get $500,000 over 20 years, with an average allocation of $25,000 annually, program documents state.

Because funds may carry over from year-to-year, there may be changes in how much program funding is available annually, according to Hagerstrom, who serves on the county committee.

Overall funding awarded in the next round will probably be lower than this year, which had money left over from 2010 because the program amendment process caused delays, she said.

David Robinson — 861-9287

[email protected]