Sen. Susan Collins (R) and Sen. Angus King (I) announced Tuesday that ten Maine organizations will be receiving a combined $6.5 million for economic development projects.
Individual awards range in value from just over $35,000 to a maximum of $1 million.
Projects funded by these awards include the construction of a new facility at the Bangor YMCA, building a second water main crossing the Aroostook River, and developing a commercial working waterfront facility at Henry Point in Hancock County, among others.
Funds will also be used to support building a new library and community center in Patten, as well as to launch a three-year pilot program supporting economic revitalization in communities impacted by biomass mill closures.
More details about all ten of the projects receiving funding through this award can be found here.
Allocation Breakdown of $6.5 Million Awards
Source: Press Release from Sen. Susan Collins (R) and Sen. Angus King (I)
“The NBRC has long helped provide rural regions with the economic tools they need to prosper,” wrote Sen. Collins and Sen. King in a joint statement Tuesday celebrating the awards.
“This funding will help improve critical infrastructure in communities across our state while strengthening our workforce and creating economic opportunities for Mainers,” said the senators.
Click Here to Read the Senators’ Full Press Release
The senators have also teamed up recently to advocate on behalf of the forest products industry over the impact of tariffs being placed on Canadian imports.
The senators noted at the time that Maine’s forest products economy is “deeply entwined” Canada, meaning that a great deal of product moves back and forth across the border every day.
The lawmakers explained in a joint letter to members of the Trump Administration that last year alone, two million tons of wood were exported, while the state imported 2.3 million tons, with goods moving primarily to and from Canada.
Noting that they are aware of the Trump Administration’s intention to consider relief for industries unable to withstand the impact of the tariffs, the senators advocated for the inclusion of the forest products industry in any relief that is eventually provided.
