Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will award a total of $254,500 to foster economic development, support small businesses, and create jobs in Penobscot, Lincoln, Cumberland, and York Counties.

“Federal investments can play an important role in the development of strategies to create employment opportunities, strengthen economies, and assist communities across Maine,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “We welcome the EDA’s continued investment in Maine, which supports small businesses across the state and fosters job creation.”

The funding will be awarded as follows:

• Penobscot Indian Nation will receive $44,500 through the EDA’s American Indian/Alaska Native Planning program to establish an economic development planning framework to support private capital investment and local job creation.
• Midcoast Economic Development District of Lincoln County will receive $70,000 through the EDA’s District Planning program to establish an economic development planning framework to support private capital investment and local job creation.
• Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission of York County will receive $70,000 through the EDA’s District Planning program to establish an economic development planning framework to support private capital investment and local job creation.
• Greater Portland Council of Governments of Cumberland County will receive $70,000 through the EDA’s District Planning program to establish an economic development planning framework to support private capital investment and local job creation.

The mission of the EDA is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.  EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.