Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $1.9 million to the Town of Hartland to make critical water infrastructure improvements needed to support the region’s business community.  This project is expected to help retain 175 jobs in the Hartland community.

“Maintaining and upgrading infrastructure is vital to ensuring that businesses are able to thrive and create economic opportunities in their communities,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “We welcome this important investment for the Town of Hartland to improve its wastewater treatment system, which will help retain jobs, attract new businesses, and preserve water quality and public health.”

This investment supports the construction of upgrades throughout the Town of Hartland's wastewater treatment system, some components of which are obsolete or inoperable. According to the EDA, the system will support the continuing operations of a local tannery, aid in the retention of its 175 employees, and help attract new businesses to the region.

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. An agency within the Department of Commerce, 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.

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