The funds will make subgrants possible for projects in distressed, rural biomass communities
to spark economic diversification and growth
AUGUSTA — Maine Development Foundation is pleased to announce an award of $500,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission to launch a three-year pilot program supporting economic revitalization in rural communities impacted by a biomass mill closure or the downturn of the forestry economy.
“This NBRC investment allows us to bring state and local partners together in a coordinated community-driven approach to economic development,” says Rosie Vanadestine, MDF’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This Thriving Community Model is about changing how we support rural communities, moving from fragmented assistance to coordinated, place-based solutions. With NBRC support, we can pilot and refine a model that brings partners together, maximizes local assets, and meets communities where they are to help them build pathways to economic prosperity.”
In announcing the award, the NBRC said the project aligns with the commission’s priorities by addressing workforce development, business growth and long-term resilience in distressed areas. The initiative will provide direct technical assistance, community assessments, and direct investments to the towns, which will help them diversify their economies and improve service delivery.
“NBRC is thrilled to announce these awards to rural communities across Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. NBRC funding will help unlock future private investment; grow the economy of the region, states, and local communities; and importantly, improve the day-to-day lives of people that live in Northern New England and New York. The range of these projects highlights the flexible way NBRC can adapt to support the economic priorities of the region,” said NBRC Federal Co-Chair Chris Saunders. Gov. Janet Mills serves as the Commission’s State Co-Chair.
MDF will partner with the Department of Economic and Community Development, Maine Office of Community Affairs and the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority to test, build out and improve this model.
“The Maine Development Foundation has an excellent track record of helping communities navigate economic transitions and chart a path toward new growth,” said Mike Duguay, commissioner, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. “This NBRC investment will allow MDF to bring its expertise directly to rural Maine communities that have been impacted by biomass mill closures and challenges in the forestry economy, helping them identify new opportunities, strengthen local leadership and build resilient, sustainable economies for the future.”
“This initiative will help Maine communities strengthen their planning capacity, understand their assets, and advance projects that matter,” says Tuck O’Brien, executive director, Maine Redevelopment Land Bank. “It reflects the power of statewide collaboration and the value of meeting communities where they are.”
“This initiative will help Maine’s rural communities to envision and pursue a path toward economic growth,” said Samantha Horn, director of the Maine Office of Community Affairs. “By coordinating across state agencies through the Thriving Community pilot, we will provide tailored technical assistance and clear guidance that maximizes community leaders’ valuable time, advances local projects and builds a model for the future.”
The funds for NBRC programs are available thanks to the support of the Congressional Delegations of all four NBRC states: Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. In a joint statement Maine’s U.S. Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins — chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee — announced that, in total, 10 Maine organizations will receive a total of $6,541,337 to support important development projects. The funding comes from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Fiscal Year 2025 Catalyst Program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act. Collins was one of 10 senators who negotiated the IIJA.
“The NBRC has long helped provide rural regions with the economic tools they need to prosper,” said Collins and King. “This funding will help improve critical infrastructure in communities across our state while strengthening our workforce and creating economic opportunities for Mainers.”
MDF will share additional information about this program and how communities can apply in the spring.