Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced today that Maine organization CEI would receive a $600,000 federal grant to help Junora, a manufacturing company in Biddeford, create 30 new jobs. Funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Community Economic Development Program, which Pingree fought to restore funding for on the House Appropriations Committee. 

“This funding will help create good-paying manufacturing jobs in York County while maintaining the positive momentum of Biddeford’s redevelopment. I’m grateful to CEI and Junora for bringing this federal investment to Maine and for the many working families who will benefit from it,” said Pingree. “These are more than just jobs—they are the beginning of careers in a field of high demand. The difference this funding will make for low-income families is why I have so strongly fought for this program in Washington.” 

The grant will aid CEI’s New Maine Manufacturing Project (NewME), which would finance and assist a growing manufacturing company, Junora LTD, in creating 30 jobs—23 of which would be filled by individuals with low-incomes. These high-tech manufacturing positions would come with competitive wages, a full benefits package, and tuition reimbursement to support professional advancement.

Last year, Pingree successfully worked on the House Appropriations Committee to restore funding for the Community Economic Development Program, which had been eliminated by a subcommittee. During omnibus spending negotiations, her continued advocacy spared it from any cuts. 

Pingree wrote a letter of support for CEI’s application.