Two tribal communities in northern Maine will share $220,000 in grants
Aroostook Band of Micmacs will receive $122,953 and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians will receive $99,500 from a U.S. Department of Agriculture economic development grant.
The funding for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians will be used to establish a revolving loan fund to support small and emerging independent tribal enterprises and native entrepreneurs.
The funding for the Aroostook Band of Micmacs will be used to develop a strategic economic and community development plan to consider the best use of the tribe's 3,000 acres of land and other tribal assets. In addition, the funding will support feasibility analyses and business plans for two potential tribal enterprises: specialty foods and alternative energy production.
The funds were awarded through the USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant program.
“We welcome this funding for Maine’s tribal communities, which will help support vital economic development and foster innovative business ventures among the Aroostook Band of Micmacs and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians communities,” said U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King said in a joint statement announcing the grants. “By providing new economic opportunities, these investments will benefit the tribal communities as well as Maine’s economy.”
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