U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Pier Repair and Expansion to Boost Tourism in St. George, Maine

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.9 million grant to St. George, Maine, to repair and expand the Port Clyde landing pier. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will boost the local tourism industry by bringing new visitors to the community, its businesses, and local attractions. This EDA grant will be matched with $962,771 in local funds and is expected to create 15 jobs and retain 151 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan delivers federal resources to communities to ensure our nation not only recovers from the pandemic, but builds a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This project will expand access for fishing, boating and tourism activities while providing economic stability for the region.”

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide the modern commercial pier infrastructure that St. George needs to support local business needs and increase tourism and jobs in the community.”

“Port Clyde has long been a vital commercial fishing port and tourist destinations,” said Governor Janet Mills. “In 2021, the value of the commercial harvest in the port was more than $11 million. This investment will not only help only create jobs, but it will also support the improvement and expansion of infrastructure critical to the economy and continued prosperity of this vital Maine port and region.”

“The Port Clyde landing pier is an iconic gateway to Maine’s Midcoast and drives economic activity throughout the region,” said Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) in a joint statement. “This new funding from the American Rescue Plan will help repair and improve the historic pier for tourism and commercial use alike, creating good jobs and supporting local businesses. These important economic investments are why we proudly supported the vital aid package and look forward to seeing its continued impact across our state for years to come.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

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.