Maine tribes receive $794,000 USDA grant

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Aroostook Band of Micmacs and Four Directions Development Corporation are among 23 recipients to receive more than $4 million in grants to spur economic development in Native American communities.
     Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said: “The Obama Administration is committed to strengthening rural communities and this funding will expand economic opportunities and improve rural transportation. These Native American communities will receive funding for business and job creation and to repair, improve, or build passenger transit systems.”
    Recipients of the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program (Native American recipients) include: The Aroostook Band of Micmacs, $492,363 and Four Directions Development Corporation, $301,605.  
    Four Directions Development Corporation, an inter-tribal community development corporation, was founded by four tribes to address the credit gaps in 2001. Four Directions’ mission is “to improve the social and economic conditions of Native Americans in Maine.” FDDC serves the members of the four tribes in Maine – the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Indian Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and the Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians.
    The Native American funding, provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program (RBEG), will be provided for projects where at least three-quarters of the benefits will be received by members of a federally recognized tribe. The beneficiary of the project may also be a tribally-owned business venture.
    Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/bprogs.htm.