The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that the Town of Madawaska will receive a $2 million investment for wastewater treatment system improvements. According to the EDA, this investment will lead to the construction of critical improvements to Madawaska’s wastewater treatment system to repair damage caused by the May 2008 flooding of the St. John River. The construction will protect the wastewater system from future flooding, retain local jobs, and prevent costly shutdowns of the paper mill and other businesses.

“This project will provide important environmental and public health benefits to Madawaska while at the same time creating jobs in the community,” said Congressman Mike Michaud. “This investment will also help take the burden off the residents and businesses of Madawaska to pay for the full costs of these much-needed water infrastructure improvements.”

EDA has a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation