WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has issued a grant of $62,000 to the Eastern Maine Development Corp. in Bangor to continue its regionally-oriented economic development planning program.

“EMDC has proven to be an essential economic resource to the Eastern Maine region, providing aid and consultation in the face of economic downturns and job loss,” U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins said in a joint statement Friday.

“For example, EMDC is helping Millinocket to cope with the loss of 1,100 jobs at Great Northern Paper and is currently aiding Dexter as it faces the closing Fayscott factory. These grants are major funding sources that enable EMDC to both continue long-term development projects and to provide immediate aid in emergency circumstances.”