U.S. Sens. Collins, King announce federal investment for EMDC

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Angus King, I-Maine announced that the Economic Development Administration is investing $280,000 to support existing small businesses, attract new ones, and bolster job creation in Penobscot, Androscoggin, Kennebec and Aroostook counties. Each of the following organizations will receive $70,000: Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Kennebec Valley Council of Governments and Northern Maine Development Commission.

“The coronavirus pandemic has hit rural economies hard and deepened long-standing inequalities that hinder economic growth,” said Collins and King. “We are thrilled to see the EDA directing investments in communities throughout our state to help small businesses weather the pandemic’s effects, attract new businesses to these regions, create jobs and strengthen local economies.”

This EDA planning investment supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy for the regions. The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.