Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $642,500 grant to the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, Brunswick, Maine, to make critical infrastructure improvements needed to support operations at the TechPlace manufacturing center. This EDA grant, to be matched with $160,625 in state and local funds, is expected to create 20 jobs, retain 120 jobs and generate $3.5 million in private investment.
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to provide the vital infrastructure that businesses need to be successful,” said Linda Cruz-Carnall, Director of EDA’s Philadelphia Regional Office. “This EDA investment will support the growth of manufacturing through the installation of HVAC equipment necessary for high-technology operations and product development.”
“I welcome these Federal funds as another important investment in Maine’s economy,” said Governor Janet Mills. “The infrastructure improvements that will result from this project will help TechPlace continue to support innovation and job growth in Maine and strengthen and diversify our economy as we continue to recover from the pandemic.”
“Maine people have long relied on the manufacturing industry to support their livelihoods and provide for their families,” said Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) in a joint statement. “This funding to support Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority’s infrastructure improvements at TechPlace will help bolster cutting-edge manufacturing as well as spur job creation in Maine.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Midcoast Economic Development District (MCEDD). EDA funds MCEDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (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 U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.