The projects aim to enhance economic development, support workforce housing construction, expand child care options and fund infrastructure improvements across rural Maine.
The Hancock County town of Brooksville will receive $903,000 to build its first all-tide public pier, landing and boat ramp as part of $15.9 million in Northern Border Regional Commission grants awarded to 17 rural Maine communities and organizations.
Other major recipients include Lewiston's Tree Street Youth, which will receive $1 million to construct a neighborhood center that will offer child care, community meeting space and youth workforce training. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will receive $1 million to build a pedestrian and snowmobile bridge in Farmington.
The project's aim is to spark economic development, support workforce housing construction, expand child care options, and fund infrastructure improvements across rural Maine.
"Rural Maine is my home, and I know firsthand that our rural communities have the people, the work ethic, and the ideas to build a stronger future,” Gov. Janet Mills said in Tuesday’s announcement. “What they have not always had is the investment necessary to turn promise into progress.”
Mills recommended the projects for funding following a review by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
Mike Duguay FILE PHOTO
“By strengthening infrastructure, supporting workforce development, and modernizing our manufacturing capabilities, we're building the foundation for sustained rural prosperity,” said Mike Duguay, Maine’s commissioner for economic and community development.
The Northern Border Regional Commission, created in 2008 through legislation sponsored by former U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine 2nd District, provides targeted federal investment for economic and community development projects in distressed counties in states along the northern border.
Maine's participation in the NBRC has resulted in more than $100 million in federal investment for hundreds of projects across rural parts of the state.
