Senator Collins Announces Midcoast Region Designated as Midcoast Economic Development District

SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES MIDCOAST REGION DESIGNATED AS MIDCOAST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Designation will assist area's economic development efforts

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Washington, DC - Senator Susan Collins today announced that Maine's Midcoast region has been designated as an Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Senator Collins was instrumental in efforts to obtain this designation, which offers federal support to the Midcoast region's economic development efforts. The district includes all of Lincoln County, Sagadahoc County, and the Town of Brunswick.

"This designation is critical to the economic development of Maine's Midcoast communities. Lincoln County, Sagadahoc County, and the Town of Brunswick will now have access to programs and funding that will allow them to advance their economic development priorities and create new job opportunities," Senator Collins said.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was established to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas of the United States. EDA assistance is available to rural and urban areas of the Nation experiencing high unemployment, low income, or other severe economic distress. EDA works in partnership with state and local governments, regional economic development districts, public and private nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes to develop and implement economic development and revitalization strategies.

The Economic Development Administration offers a number of investment programs to help Economic Development Districts, including: Trade Adjustment Assistance, Economic Adjustment Assistance, Research and National Technical Assistance, Local Technical Assistance, Partnership Planning, University Center, and Public Works.

http://collins.senate.gov/low/record.cfm?id=238320