Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million to Support Revitalization of Downtown Mill District in Biddeford, Maine

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the city of Biddeford, Maine, to support the economic revitalization of city’s downtown mill district by making roadway improvements needed to provide access to the city’s new 650-space parking garage and mill buildings that are slated for redevelopment. This EDA project, to be matched with $1.2 million in local funds, is expected to create 645 jobs and generate $170 million in private investment.

“President Biden is committed to helping communities grow their critical business clusters to ensure that they not only recover from the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support Biddeford’s revitalization and create new economic opportunity and jobs for local citizens.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Biddeford as they advance their plans to diversify and grow the region’s economy,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This project will reconstruct Pearl Street from its intersection with Lincoln Street to the Saco River and Biddeford Riverwalk to increase access to retail and dining options in the redeveloped Biddeford Mill District.”

“I am pleased the Economic Development Agency has recognized the hard work the city of Biddeford has done to revitalize its historic textile mills,” said Governor Janet Mills. “This investment by the Biden Administration will help Biddeford continue these important efforts by rebuilding roads and increasing access to local shopping and dining, all while creating jobs and strengthening the economy – a win-win. I look forward to seeing the results of this project and to Biddeford’s ongoing revitalization.”

“Biddeford’s creative, future-focused thinking is an excellent example of how former mill towns across Maine are working to revitalize their economies,” said Senators Collins and King and Representative Pingree. “This grant from the Economic Development Administration to improve access to small businesses, jobs, and housing in Biddeford’s downtown and redeveloped former mill buildings will draw Mainers, visitors, and entrepreneurs to this great city. We are excited to see the heart of the Biddeford community grow with this investment over the next decade.”

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 makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.