WASHINGTON, D.C. — $1.6 million has been awarded to support the redevelopment and revitalization of small businesses in Maine that have suffered financial harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, per a news release. 

This funding, awarded through the Economic Development Administration’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance Program, will support Androscoggin, Kennebec, Somerset, Waldo, Aroostook, Washington, Penobscot, Oxford, Cumberland, and York counties.

This funding will assist the organizations with developing an economic recovery plan, deploy disaster recovery coordinators, provide needed technical assistance to local stakeholders, and fund necessary technology and staff support for pandemic-response activities, according to the release. 

The funding is allocated as follows:

Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments has been awarded $400,000.

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments has been awarded $400,000.

Northern Maine Development Commission has been awarded $400,000.

Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission has been awarded $400,000.