Maine transportation, border companies will share $5.6M in economic recovery grants
Ninety-four charter transportation companies and businesses Maine, disrupted by the federal government’s extended closure of the U.S.-Canada border, will share more than $5.6 million in economic recovery grants.
The awards, which are funded by federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds, averaged $60,365, with 37 businesses receiving the maximum award of $100,000, according to a news release Wednesday from the office of Gov. Janet Mills.
In total, her administration has awarded more than $273 million in economic and recovery grant programs to 5,224 businesses and nonprofits during the pandemic.
“The extended closure of the US-Canadian border created unprecedented economic hardship in communities across much of northern and eastern Maine,” said Mills. “I hope these grants will provide some support to border businesses and charter transportation businesses across the state who are most in need as the border finally reopens next month.”
The funding applies to charter transportation, land and sea excursion and sightseeing, and port harbor businesses statewide, as well as customer-facing businesses and organizations within 25 miles driving distance of a border crossing. Priority was given to businesses who did not receive CRF funds so far.
Mills launched the grant program in August. She also applauded the federal government’s recent decision to safely reopen the border, calling it “long overdue.”
In developing the grant program, the Department of Economic and Community Development drew on recommendations from the tourism, hospitality and retail industries to meet the distinct needs of those sectors.
As with other economic development grants, funds may be used to cover expenses such as payroll costs, rent or mortgage payments for business facilities, utilities, replenishing inventory or purchasing personal protective equipment. Funds must be spent on operations that are strictly within Maine.
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