"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," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. "For example, EMDC is helping Millinocket to cope with the loss of 1100 jobs at Great Northern Paper and is currently aiding Dexter as it faces the closing Fayscott factory. These grants are a major funding sources that enables EDMC to both continue long-term development projects and to provide immediate aid in emergency circumstances."

Some of the long-term development projects currently being pursued by EDMC include:
* Helping eligible distressed areas in Eastern Maine to take advantage of the State's Pine Tree Initiative, an incentive program being planned to attract new businesses to the region.
* Helping Eastern Maine communities diversify local economies that have been historically dependent upon single industries such as fish processing, lumber, paper, or textiles.

Developing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the region, tourism development, community infrastructure development, grant application assistance, and downtown and residential housing development. Investing in port development in Searsport and expansion of wood composites incubators in Greenville.