Governor Mills, Senator Collins, and the Northern Border Regional Commission announce $11 million in federal funding for economic development projects in Maine
The University of Maine has been awarded $1 million to create a new manufacturing center
Orono, Maine – Today, Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined officials from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to announce that 16 Maine organizations have received $11 million in federal funding to advance economic opportunity in rural Maine communities.
Governor Mills, Senator Collins and NBRC federal co-chair Chris Saunders revealed the awards during a visit to the University of Maine’s Center for Advanced Structures and Composite in Orono, which will receive $1 million to build a new center focused on connecting Maine residents to the profession. Opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
The awards announced today are part of NBRC’s Catalyst Program, funded by bipartisan federal infrastructure law and federal appropriations for the commission. Maine award winners have been selected by the NBRC after a recommendation for funding was received by Governor Mills.
“These historic investments will strengthen Maine’s heritage industries, strengthen our outdoor economy, increase our resilience to climate change, and create well-paying jobs in our rural communities.” said Gov. Janet Mills. “I thank the Northern Border Regional Commission for its continued support of rural Maine and the Maine congressional delegation for their work in securing the funding that made these projects possible.”
“Since its founding, the investments supported by the NBRC have helped ensure that rural areas have access to the economic tools they need to thrive.” Senator Susan Collins said. “Continuing its work to support our rural communities, this funding will help improve water and road infrastructure while strengthening Maine’s workforce and creating economic opportunity across the state. I have been a strong advocate for the NBRC since its inception in 2008, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee I will continue to support this important partnership that has been beneficial to countless communities throughout Maine.
Created in 2008, NBRC is a partnership of federal states focused on alleviating economic distress and encouraging private sector job creation in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. During their visit to Orono, the NBRC announced awards worth approximately $44 million for projects across all NBRC member states, the largest single award round since the Commission’s inception.
“The hallmark of the Northern Border Regional Commission is its ability to flexibly support a variety of opportunities in rural communities. Each of the awards we are announcing today, whether for outdoor infrastructure, entrepreneurship, or other community priorities, will result in tangible economic benefits for the people of Maine and our region. NBRC Federal Co-Chair Chris Saunders said. “The committee’s ability to deliver the largest round of grants ever has been directly attributed to the once-in-a-generation support that has come from President Biden and Congress working together to pass a bipartisan infrastructure law and the historic level of annual funding that Congress included in last year’s spending.” . Invoices.”
With this award, the University of Maine will create an immersive manufacturing center called “GEM Gateway” within the Factory of the Future for engineering and green materials. The wood processing facility will consist of a flexible manufacturing space with an emphasis on sustainable bio-materials. The portal will build community outreach and job opportunities in Maine within important and high-value fields.
“This award to the University of Maine’s Factory of the Future for Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) is the result of an exceptional state-federal partnership impacting Maine’s economic and community development.” University of Maine President and University of Maine Vice President for Research and Innovation Joan Ferrini Mundi said. “This project will enable the growth of a new, innovative, sustainable form of wood leftover manufacturing and prepare a workforce ready for innovation in Maine. On behalf of the university, I want to express our deep appreciation for the leadership of Governor Mills, Senators Collins and King, and Representatives Pingree and Golden, for all they have done to make the facility These new vital industries are possible.The University also wishes to extend its congratulations to all awardees for this outstanding group of projects that will make a real difference to Maine for years to come.
Other Maine projects selected for funding include construction of a new terminal at Briscoe Isle International Airport, infrastructure improvements in Greenville, redevelopment of the former East Millinocket mill site, climate resilience improvements in Stonington, and purchase of a construction manufacturing facility. Energy Efficient Tiny Homes in the Houlton Industrial Estate.
“For more than a decade, the Northern Border Regional Commission has created new opportunities across rural Maine communities and demonstrated the power of federal-local partnerships.” Senator King said. “This latest funding will build on the Commission’s long track record of success by supporting over a dozen of the most promising, cutting-edge, and advanced projects in our state. With investments continuing like today, I know our state’s future is truly bright.
“With funds made available by the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Northern Regional Border Commission’s stimulus program has proven to be a critical resource for economic development for Maine’s rural communities.” Congresswoman Chile Pingree said. “Grants like the one announced today for Knox County Regional Airport will ensure that mail, packages, and groceries reach Islanders living in some of the most remote areas of our state using clean, electrically charged aircraft. This cutting-edge autonomous delivery technology will be the first of its kind to be installed.” in Maine and will keep our state on track to get to net zero emissions.
“From the former factory in East Millinocket to the Riverfront in Caribou, and from our world-class universities to the infrastructure that connects it all, this set of scholarships will make a real difference throughout the entire state of Maine.” Congressman Jared Golden said. “The Northern Borders Regional Committee has been a valuable partner in developing our communities for over a decade, and I am eager to see the results soon of this latest round of projects.”
A full list of Maine organizations receiving funding can be found below, and a detailed description of the awards can be found here:
- University of Maine System – $1,000,000
- Anson Madison Health District – $1,000,000
- City of Belfast – $1,000,000
- The City of Presque Isle – $1,000,000
- Mahosuc Pathways dba Inland Woods – $1,000,000
- Greenville – $991,708
- East Millinocket – $750,000
- As ours – $750,000
- City of Stonington – $671,364
- Cheretown Development Company – $500,000
- Sunrise County Economic Council – $500,000
- City of Caribou – $472,550
- Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce – $440,378
- Montenegro, Maine – $380,000
- Knox County – $294,000
- Eagle Lake Township – $250,000
