Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million to Improve Stormwater Infrastructure in Support of Business Growth in Vinalhaven, Maine

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to the town of Vinalhaven, Maine, to make stormwater infrastructure improvements needed to protect downtown businesses from flooding and to promote business growth. This EDA project will be matched with $1.9 million in state and local funds.

“President Biden is committed to supporting communities in developing safe and resilient infrastructure to serve businesses and create American jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide critical infrastructure improvements to provide safe access to local businesses in support of economic growth and job creation in the region.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the town of Vinalhaven as it works to create sustainable infrastructure for the community,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will support the Town of Vinalhaven’s critical lobster fishing and tourism industries by improving the flood resilience of its downtown commercial district through upgraded stormwater management infrastructure, the improvement of deficient and vulnerable sewer and water utilities, and improvement of pedestrian and vehicular transportation infrastructure.”

“I welcome this Federal investment, which will allow the Town of Vinalhaven to improve its stormwater infrastructure and protect its downtown businesses from flooding,” said Governor Janet Mills. “In Maine, we will continue to put Federal funds to use building stronger, more resilient infrastructure that will promote economic development, support our working waterfront communities, and ensure our communities are vibrant places for Maine people to live and raise a family for years to come. I thank the Biden Administration for its investment in Maine.”

“Island communities like Vinalhaven are on the front lines of many issues that coastal towns are facing, particularly climate change. This significant investment in sustainable infrastructure will go a long way in ensuring upgrades are made to support Vinalhaven’s robust marine and tourism economies and prevent future flooding,” said Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) in a joint statement.

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.