PRESQUE ISLE – The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $644,000 grant to the Maine Potato Board, U.S. Rep. John Baldacci announced Wednesday.

The funds will support construction of the Maine Potato Storage and Research Facility in Presque Isle.

The grant is being awarded by the department’s Economic Development Administration. The new facility will enable researchers to test potato storage methods and procedures.

“As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am pleased that this funding has been approved,” Baldacci said in a prepared statement. “It will improve research efforts and strengthen our potato industry by enhancing storage methods and procedures.”