WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a $50,000 Rural Business Opportunity Grant for the Northern Maine Development Commission.

The funding is being made available through USDA’s Rural Development Agency.

The money, announced by U.S. Rep. John Baldacci, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, will be used to assist in strengthening the travel industry in northern Maine. This will be accomplished by developing infrastructure, providing technical assistance and training to tourism-related industry, and unifying efforts across the region. It is hoped that this project will help to create more than 30 jobs and aid approximately 12 area companies.