UMaine awarded $1M to help revitalize state’s forest economy

The University of Maine has been awarded $1 million from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to build a demonstration scale nanocellulose plant that will advance next generation bio-based products.

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King announced the NBRC will award $1,250,000 in grants to UMaine and the town of East Millinocket.

Both projects will strengthen Maine’s forest economy and create jobs in rural Maine by increasing production of advanced bio-based products and support the purchasing of a former mill site in East Millinocket.

“This substantial investment in Maine’s forest economy will help those who have relied on this crucial sector for generations,” Collins and King said in a joint statement. “As our state continues its leadership in developing new sustainable bio-based technologies that create jobs, these awards will bolster efforts by UMaine and the town of East Millinocket to open more opportunities in rural communities. We are thrilled to see Maine’s forests remain a vital part of our culture and economy.”

The full news release is online.