WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced five Northern Border Regional Commission grants to the State of Maine totaling more than $1.2 million.  The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) helps address the community and economic development needs of distressed portions of the Northern Forest region.

“These grants represent significant investments in these communities,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement.  “These valuable infrastructure and employment programs will improve quality of life for residents and help create and sustain jobs.”

The grants are as follows:

• Indian Township Passamaquoddy Reservation will receive $250,000 to build a maple processing facility in Jackman.

• Town of Hartland will receive $250,000 to line the solid waste landfill facility. 

• Town of Ashland will receive $226,000 to upgrade one mile of highway to support the town forest-products intermodal facility.

• Maine Wood Products Association will receive $230,000 to implement a training and credentialing program for wood products industry employees.

• City of Ellsworth will receive $250,000 to develop a hub station to expand the availability of high-speed internet along the city's main thoroughfare.  It is predicted that this project will support up to 100 new quality jobs.

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