MACHIAS – Christopher Spruce has joined the Sunrise County Economic Council as its community development coordinator.

Spruce, a former employee of the Maine Legislature’s Office of Policy and Legal Analysis, staffed the Legislature’s Committees on Business and Economic Development and State and Local Government.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of Chris’ caliber working for Washington County,” said Dianne Tilton, executive director of the Sunrise County Economic Council. “He is very familiar with the issues facing Maine’s Down East communities,” she said.

Spruce said he will be available to work directly with coastal communities on land development and public access issues, as well as provide expertise to towns that need it on a contractual basis.

“I can work with towns on specific projects, help with long-range planning, write grants, whatever is needed,” he said.

Spruce is available to meet with selectmen to discuss their needs by calling 255-0983.