U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Tribal Business Expansion in Presque Isle, Maine

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4 million grant to the Aroostook Micmac Council, Presque Isle, Maine, to boot business development and job growth for the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.

This project will support expansion of the Tribal aquaculture fish hatchery to meet local demand while creating jobs and promoting economic resilience.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support expansion of a regional business asset and create economic growth for the Aroostook Band of Micmacs.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide foundational economic development for the Tribe and help create jobs in the community.”

“The Aroostook Band of Micmacs’ aquaculture fish hatchery is critical to Northern Maine’s tribal communities and a great example of our state’s growing blue economy,” said Senator Angus King. “This new funding from the Economic Development Administration is an important step to help expand the tribal fisheries, create new jobs, and boost the local economy. I look forward to seeing the impact of this funding, and am glad the American Rescue Plan continues to support Maine communities.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs. 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.