Governor Janet T. Mills (D) .

Governor Janet T. Mills (D) announced earlier this week that her Administration has awarded $2 million in grants to Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations to support their recovery and rebuilding from the devastating storms of last winter.

The grants awarded by the Department of Economic & Community Development, are the second and final round of the Business Recovery and Resilience Fund established as part of the $60 million storm relief package secured by Governor Mills and approved by the Legislature last year.  The Mills Administation previously awarded approximately $8 million through the first round of Business Recovery and Resilience grants to 109  Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations.

“The storms of last winter remain a stark reminder of the vulnerability our people, businesses and communities face to serious flooding, storm surge, and heavy winds and lashing rains,” said Governor Mills.  “Recovering from the damage takes time and I’m grateful to the Legislature for their support of the historic $60 million storm relief package enacted last year, which is continuing to help Maine businesses rebuild and be ready for the weather challenges of the future.”

“Luke’s Boatyard is tremendously grateful to the BRRF Grant Committee for considering our request and helping us literally rebuild our future.  This money ($100,000.) means we can maintain our connection to the maritime community and continue to provide services to the wide variety of boaters we have loved interacting with for over 80 years,” said Andrew Luke, Vice President of Operations to Luke’s Boatyard in East Boothbay.

There were four entities in Portland who received grants in this round of awards.  They are: 400 Commercial Street, LLC, $100,000; Maine Heritage Irish Center $10,000; Gulf of Maine Research Institute, $31,022.32 and 50 Portland Pier Condo Association, $100,000.