A trail in Acadia National Park. (Photo by U.S. National Park Service)
Maine is receiving an additional $22 million from the federal government to support forest-based biomaterial production and manufacturing.
“An investment in our forestry sector is a direct investment into Maine’s economy and future,” said Maine’s congressional delegation in a joint statement.
The funding announcement from the Biden administration adds to approximately $1 million in other federal grants the state has received for its forest-based biomaterial consortium. The new funds will support two projects to strengthen innovation by leveraging manufacturing and workforce resources, and bring the hub’s products to the global market.
In 2023, the state’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub was launched to develop new wood-derived materials and products to support the industries, eliminate the use of toxic materials and replace imported plastics and other fossil fuel-based materials. The hub, which is led by the Maine Technology Institute and Gov. Janet Mills’ administration, received a federal “Tech Hub” designation under the CHIPS and Sciences Act.
“Maine companies are leading the way in manufacturing innovative and environmentally friendly products that are changing how the world builds homes and businesses, and packages products, and more,” Mills said in a news release Wednesday.
“In doing so, they’re writing the next great chapter of Maine’s storied forest products industry,” she added
Maine is one of six Tech Hubs to receive this funding that was included in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.