Michael Michaud is asking for federal support for two development projects in Norway.
By Gail Geraghty
Staff Writer

NORWAY – Maine’s 2nd District Congressman Michael Michaud is seeking federal funding for two major economic development projects in Norway.

In a Wednesday press release, Michaud said funding requests for the vacant C.B. Cummings mill and the Western Maine Technology Park will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget.

Michaud said he received confirmation that the projects will be submitted during White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card’s recent visit to the Oxford Hills.

Michaud came up on the stage of Sargent Gymnasium at Hebron Academy where Card was seated at the head table during the January banquet sponsored by the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Michaud said he took the opportunity at the dinner to brief Card about the Norway projects, both of which seek to bring new jobs to replace the hundreds of mill jobs lost in the area in recent years.

“In these difficult economic times, we must leave no stone unturned, as we seek funding from the federal government for projects that will enhance the economic viability of areas such as the Oxford Hills,” Michaud said.

“I will exhaust every avenue available to me through the Congress to bring jobs and economic growth to this region. I hope that the administration will do the same,” Michaud said.

Michaud met with local leaders in Norway last month, and took a tour of the Cummings mill site. At the time, he said finding ways to reuse existing buildings is a great way to stimulate economic growth.