Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that a total of $464,500 has been awarded to seven Maine organizations through the Economic Development Administration’s comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) program. The awards will be used by the organizations to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in their respective regions.

“Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for promoting business expansion and robust job growth,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “By supporting regional economic development, these investments will help strengthen and diversify the economies of our local communities.”

The names of the grantees and the amounts awarded are as follows:

• The Midcoast Economic Development District was awarded $70,000.

• The Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission was awarded $70,000.

• The Greater Portland Council of Governments was awarded $70,000.

• The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments was awarded $70,000.

• The Eastern Maine Development Corporation was awarded $70,000.

• The Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments was awarded $70,000.

• The Penobscot Indian Nation was awarded $44,500.

###