Governor Janet T. Mills (D), Addressed Attendees at the First Aannual Housing Conference at Oean Gateway Several Years Ago.
Earlier this week, Governor Janet T. Mills (D) announced that seven communities and orgnizations across rural Maine have been awarded $15.9 million in grants from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to support critical economic development projects.
The projects – recommended for funding by Governor Mills after a rigorous review process conducted by the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development – will enhance economic development, support workforce housing construction, expand childcare options and fund infrastructure improvements across rural Maine.
“These investments exemply our strategy of using targeted pubic funding to leverage private sector engagement and create lasting economic impact,” said Mike Duguay, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “By strengthening infrastructure, supporting workforce development and modernizing our mainfacturing capabiities, we’re buiding the foundation for sustained rural properrity.”
Communities benefiting from Catalyst Awards include:
BROOKSVILLE, where the town will receive $902,936, to build the town’s first all-tide public pier, landing and boat ramp at Betsy’s Cove.
LEWISTON, where Tree Street Youth will receive $1 million to construct a new neighborhood center, offering chlden, community meeting space and youth work-force training.
FARMINGTON, where the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will utilize a $1 million grant to construct a multi-use pedestrian and snowmobile bridge over the Sandy River exending the Whistle Stop Trail to downtown.
AROOSTOOK COUNTY, where the Northern Maine Development Commission will use $360,211 to launch “Aroostook Rising,” a two-year talent attraction and retnetion initiative to adddress population decline and workforce shortages.
“Rural Maine is my home and I know firsthand that our rural committees have the people, the work ethic and the ideas to build a stronger future. What they have not always had is the investment necesary to turn promise into progress,” said Governor Mills. “These federal investments, recommendations for funding by my Administration, will help give communities across rural Maine the resources they need to create good jobs, strengthen local businesses, expand workforce housing, improve critical infrastructure and support industries that are vital to our state.”