BANGOR – Three Maine projects have been awarded more than $158,000 in rural business opportunity grants, according to Michael W. Aube, Maine director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The funds are designed to assist in the fostering of economic development in rural areas.

Grants were awarded to:

. Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance, Old Town – $58,000 for strategic business planning, Web site planning, and export market planning for the Wabanaki Arts Center Gallery and products of Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. 12 jobs created; 100 jobs saved, 100 businesses assisted.

. Northern Maine Development Commission, Caribou – $50,000 to strengthen and increase the tourism industry in the area and to provide technical assistance and planning. 36 jobs created; 12 businesses assisted.

. Northern Maine Development Commission, Caribou – $50,000 to expand the Maine Micro-Enterprise Initiative program. 200 jobs created; 100 businesses assisted.

USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development can be obtained by contacting any USDA Service Center or by visiting USDA’s Web site.