Department of Marine Resources
Allocation: $10,000,000
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Status: Active
Urgent investment in Maine's commercial seafood and aquaculture sectors is needed to respond to the severe economic disruption of COVID-19. Many seafood facilities were forced to reconfigure their space and product lines due to the pandemic, and thus far, no relief programs have helped mitigate those costs. Furthermore, the pandemic caused companies to delay investments that would increase resiliency to future market disruptions.
To support the recovery of Maine's iconic seafood industry, the Department of Marine Resources is establishing the $16 million Maine Seafood Dealer and Processor COVID-19 Response and Resilience Grant Program (SDPP). Program funds include $10 million announced last fall from the American Rescue Plan Act, allocated through Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, plus an additional $5 million from the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, and $850,000 from the USDA Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program.
The program, which was administered by Maine Technology Institute (MTI), launched in March 2022. It provided grants to Maine seafood dealers and processors to upgrade buildings, equipment, and utilities. These grants will bolster the ability of these businesses to deliver to markets across Maine, the United States, and the world, while also creating and sustaining jobs throughout the sector.
News & Resources
- 10/14/2022: During Visit to Bucksport, Governor Mills Tours Seafood Businesses Benefitting from Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan
- 6/29/2022: Governor Mills Announces More Than $15 Million in Grants Through Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to Support Seafood Dealers and Processors
- 5/17/2022: Governor Mills Highlights Responsible Aquaculture as Opportunity to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy, and Promote Maine Seafood
- 4/1/2022: Governor Mills: Making Investments in Maine’s Seafood Dealers and Processors (Weekly Radio Address)
- 3/31/2022: Governor Mills Announces Opening of $16 Million Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan Grant Program to Support Seafood Dealers and Processors
- 3/4/2022: Update for Maine Dealers and Processors on the Maine Seafood Dealer and Processor Covid-19 Response and Resilience Grant Program
- 11/10/2021: Governor Mills Announces $10 Million Maine Jobs & Recovery Initiative to Support and Strengthen Maine’s Seafood Industry