Press Herald Interviews Breece About Economic Growth Lagging in Maine Cities

The Portland Press Herald spoke with James Breece, an economics professor at the University of Maine, for the article, “Economic growth in Portland, Bangor, Lewiston-Auburn lagging behind nation.” According to new statistics from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the economies of Maine’s three metropolitan areas grew sluggishly in 2013, significantly lagging behind the nation, the article states. Breece said the figures, especially for Portland, were a surprise. “I expected there to see mild growth, but not this mild,” Breece said, noting Portland has attracted a lot of young residents. He told the Press Herald some factors that may have contributed to the slow growth include a skills gap, higher salaries to attract workers from out of state with the necessary skills, higher utility costs and increased transportation costs.