'New opportunities' funding aimed at rural areas affected by mill closures
Courtesy / Offices of U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine, announced more than $2.2 million in federal funding awarded to six rural healthcare organizations and educational institutions in Maine.
The Maine Development Foundation has been awarded $446,757 in federal money to support and assist rural communities in Maine affected by mill closures.
The award, announced Sept. 26, comes from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce.
It comes a little more than a month after the reopening of the Old Town paper mill, owned by ND Paper since 2018, and Belfast building products maker Go Lab Inc. finalized its acquisition of a defunct paper mill in Madison.
“Maine people have long relied on the forest industry to support their livelihoods and provide for their families,” Collins and King said in a joint statement.
They added: “We welcome this funding which will help the Maine Development Foundation continue it’s important mission to support Maine people and rural communities, and create new opportunities for those who work in Maine’s forest products industry.”
Both senators are strong supporters of revitalizing Maine’s forest economy, and were instrumental in establishing the Forest Opportunity Roadmap Initiative.
FOR/Maine, as it is commonly referred to, is an industry-led effort to diversify the state’s wood products businesses, attract investments and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures.
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