Press Release
U.S. Economic Development Administration Invests $579,000 to Rebuild Commercial Aviation Maintenance Facilities at Maine’s Bangor International Airport
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, July 15, 2013
Washington – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $579,000 grant to the city of Bangor, Maine, to renovate and expand commercial aviation maintenance facilities at Bangor International Airport. The investment will create 70 high-wage aircraft maintenance and repair jobs and result in $250,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“The Obama administration is committed to promoting economic development and job creation in communities nationwide,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Matt Erskine. “By funding critical renovations to Bangor International Airport’s commercial infrastructure, this EDA grant will support the growth of high-skilled jobs and catalyze economic growth throughout eastern Maine.”
In October 2012, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) wrote to EDA expressing strong support for this project. “It is critically important that we continue to invest in job creators, which will spur continued economic growth. That is why I applaud the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s decision to approve the city of Bangor’s grant request for this vital project,” said Senator Collins. “In recent years, the city has made noteworthy strides towards attracting private investment and economic development. This grant will help bring many needed jobs to the Bangor area and provide substantial economic benefits to the region for years to come.”
“I’m tremendously pleased the U.S. Economic Development Administration has decided to invest in the City of Bangor,” U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) said. “This vital funding will assist in the improvement of infrastructure at BGR, create more than 50 jobs, and directly contribute to the growth of the local economy. Smart and targeted investments like these are exactly how the federal government can help to jumpstart local economies across the country.”
On April 4th, Representative Mike Michaud (D-ME) joined city economic development officials and Bangor International Airport staff to provide Deputy Assistant Secretary Erskine a tour of the project site. “I know the tour of the site made an impression, and I’m pleased that this critical funding has been approved. Not only will it provide long-term aircraft maintenance jobs, but the construction of this facility will also boost local economic activity. Bangor is vital to the regional economy, and this progress at the airport is a big step in the right direction when it comes to promoting future growth.”
The EDA investment will help fund renovation of a 17,000-square-foot hangar at Bangor International Airport, upgrading an aircraft painting facility, making boiler room upgrades, and installing new air handling and water pre-treatment equipment. The renovations will support the competitiveness of local businesses by facilitating the expansion of existing aircraft maintenance operations, expanding their capacity, and allowing for increased foreign contracts for aircraft maintenance and refurbishment.
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 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.