UMaine receives federal funds for timber commercialization center, media report

The Portland Press Herald and Mainebiz reported the University of Maine will receive a $454,532 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to create the Maine Mass Timber Commercialization Center. The center will help forest industry partners, trade organization, construction firms, architects and other stakeholders revitalize and diversify Maine’s forest-based economy by advancing new forest products technologies and bringing innovative mass timber manufacturing to Maine, the Press Herald reported. “Maine’s forest products industry helps drive local economies throughout our state. By establishing the Maine Mass Timber Commercialization Center, UMaine and its forest industry partners are furthering important work to discover innovative ways to develop new forest products from our natural resources,” Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King said in a joint statement announcing the funds. “This grant will help strengthen Maine’s forest economy, support jobs in our rural communities and further diversify the industry. The possibilities are endless with the introduction of new technology and ingenuity.” U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree also issued a release welcoming the grant.