Golden Reacts to Skowhegan Being Named Finalist for Recompete Program, Winning Economic Development Grant

WASHINGTON - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement today in response to Skowhegan being named a finalist for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete), as well as being awarded a Recompete Strategy Development Grant:

“Being named a finalist for the Recompete Program is testament to Main Street Skowhegan’s hard work and dedication engaging with the community to develop a revitalization plan for the region,” said Golden. “This announcement puts the region one step closer to an absolutely game-changing investment in local jobs, education, and economic development. It’s also evidence that the CHIPS Act continues to deliver for Mainers.”

"If you live in the Skowhegan or the Central Maine region or have ever visited, you know this place has such potential, and we're thrilled to be a finalist for the Recompete Program because this means that the Economic Development Administration sees this potential too," said Kristina Cannon, President and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan. "We're grateful to have the opportunity to build capacity via the Phase I Strategy Development Grant and compete for $20 to $50 million in Phase II Implementation funding that would be an incredible force multiplier for the efforts already underway throughout the region." 

The Revitalization of Central Maine Recompete Plan, led by Main Street Skowhegan, aims to bolster economic development in the region by creating a small business incubator, developing workforce training and support programs, and improving transportation along Route 201 between Skowhegan and Waterville. 

The Recompete program is a competitive grant program that invests in locally driven strategies to improve job opportunities and growth in traditionally underserved areas. As one of 22 Recompete Finalists, Main Street Skowhegan’s plan beat more than 500 other applicants from across the country. If the project is selected during the final application phase, it will be eligible for an award averaging $20 to $50 million. 

The Recompete Program is authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, which Golden helped pass in 2022. The law, enacted that summer, invests billions in supply chain resilience and local economic development, particularly in the manufacturing sector. 

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