WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded three grants totaling $210,000 to support economic development and planning for parts of rural Maine. Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, and Northern Maine Development Commission, Inc. will each receive $70,000.

“Federal funding can play a pivotal role in the development of strategies to grow rural economies and support communities across Maine,” Senators Collins and King said in a statement. “We commend the Economic Development Agency for providing this critical investment to help create a road map for economic prosperity.”

Eastern Maine Development Corporation comprises the counties of Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and portions of Waldo County; Kennebec Valley Council of Governments comprises the counties of Kennebec, Somerset, and western Waldo; and Northern Maine Development Commission, Inc. comprises the counties of Aroostook and Washington. The three economic organizations will use the funding to develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy for the region. This funding represents the first year of funding in a three year cycle.

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