Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said this morning that rural Maine communities will benefit from $20 million in USDA loans to provide financing for economic development projects throughout the state. With USDA Rural Development funding, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) will invest in community projects like health care facilities, childcare centers and schools.
 
"Maine people are hard working, creative and full of ingenuity, but too often rural areas just don't get the investment and don't have access to capital that they need to build the local economy," Pingree said.  "This money is going to help make sure that the resources we have in rural Maine can be put to work creating jobs for the community.  This is a great economic development investment and is going to pay real dividends for Maine.
 
USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “I am thrilled with this landmark $20 million investment by USDA Rural Development in Coastal Enterprises, Inc. The long-standing partnership USDA Rural Development has with CEI represents the immense value of the organization and its vital role in supporting our rural Maine communities. This significant funding will enable CEI to bolster opportunities in our vibrant communities through relending, thereby supporting essential community facilities that Maine’s rural residents rely on.”
 
The funding announced today is part of $400 million in funds from USDA aimed at growing the economy and reducing poverty in rural areas.