By Tiffany Williams –
Governor Janet Mills announced that 17 communities and organizations across rural Maine will receive a combined $15.9 million in grants from the Northern Border Regional Commission to support economic development, housing, childcare and infrastructure projects.
The funding was recommended by Governor Mills following a review process conducted by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. State officials said the investments are intended to strengthen local economies, support workforce development, expand housing opportunities and improve infrastructure in rural regions of the state.
“Rural Maine is my home, and I know firsthand that our rural communities have the people, the work ethic, and the ideas to build a stronger future. What they have not always had is the investment necessary to turn promise into progress,”said Governor Janet Mills. “These federal investments, recommended for funding by my Administration, will help give communities across rural Maine the resources they need to create good jobs, strengthen local businesses, expand workforce housing, improve critical infrastructure, and support industries that are vital to our state.”
The grants were awarded through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program and will fund projects across multiple sectors.
Among the projects receiving funding is the Town of Brooksville, which will receive $902,936 to construct the community’s first all-tide public pier, landing and boat ramp at Betsy’s Cove.
In Lewiston, Tree Street Youth will receive $1 million to construct a new neighborhood center that will provide childcare services, community meeting space and youth workforce training opportunities.
In Farmington, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will use a $1 million grant to construct a multi-use pedestrian and snowmobile bridge over the Sandy River, extending the Whistle Stop Trail into downtown Farmington.
Aroostook County will benefit from a $360,211 grant awarded to the Northern Maine Development Commission. The funding will support “Aroostook Rising,” a two-year initiative focused on attracting and retaining workers while addressing population decline and workforce shortages.
State economic development officials said the grants reflect a broader strategy of using public investment to encourage private sector growth and long-term economic development.
“These investments exemplify our strategy of using targeted public funding to leverage private sector engagement and create lasting economic impact,” said Mike Duguay, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “By strengthening infrastructure, supporting workforce development, and modernizing our manufacturing capabilities, we’re building the foundation for sustained rural prosperity.”
The announcement follows additional Northern Border Regional Commission funding awarded through its Forest Economy Program and Timber for Transit Program.
Main Street Skowhegan received a $2.5 million Timber for Transit award that will be used to construct a timber-decked riverfront promenade connecting downtown businesses and neighborhoods to the Kennebec River and Skowhegan River Park.
The City of Rockland received a $4 million Timber for Transit award to rebuild the Public Landing pier and redesign the harbormaster building to improve resilience against severe storms and flooding.
The Southern Aroostook Development Corporation was awarded a $1 million Forest Economy Program grant to support development of a modern forest-products manufacturing facility in the Houlton Industrial Park. The facility will be leased long-term to Kearney Pallet.
“This NBRC award is a transformational investment in Southern Aroostook’s forest economy and manufacturing sector. The funding will support the development of a new manufacturing facility in the Houlton Industrial Park, helping strengthen Maine’s wood products industry, create opportunities for future growth, and increase demand for timber harvested from Maine forests. We are grateful to NBRC and our many partners who helped make this project possible and are excited about the long-term impact it will have on our region,”said Johanna Johnson, Executive Director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation.
The Northern Border Regional Commission was established in 2008 through legislation sponsored by former Maine Congressman Mike Michaud. The federal-state partnership provides economic and community development funding to distressed counties across northern border states.
According to state officials, Maine’s participation in the commission has resulted in more than $100 million in federal investment supporting hundreds of projects throughout rural communities across the state.
The latest round of grants continues that effort, directing millions of dollars toward projects designed to create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, improve quality of life and support long-term economic growth in some of Maine’s most rural regions.