Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the Maine Space Grant Consortium, Augusta, Maine, to support development of the Maine SpacePort Complex.
This project will finalize a strategic plan addressing workforce development, business development, and external engagement needs for the Maine SpacePort Complex. The EDA investment will be matched with $407,407 in state and local funds.
“President Biden is committed to supporting communities as they work to create economic opportunity and build a better America,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This project will support completion of the Maine SpacePort Complex, promoting long-term business development and job growth.”
“The Economic Development Administration supports locally-driven efforts to spur economic growth and prosperity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will outline the necessary workforce development and business outreach requirements for the Maine SpacePort while promoting economic resiliency.”
“As Maine communities adapt to the shifting 21st century economy, our state has the opportunity to lead the way in sectors of the future,” said Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (MA-01) in a joint statement. “This investment in the Maine SpacePort Complex will be a new, significant economic driver. Along with creating good-paying jobs, the complex will attract talent from across the world to our state, and create real opportunities for Maine people to enter the growing space industry. We’re grateful for this funding from the Economic Development Administration, and look forward to seeing its impact on Maine communities.”
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.