LEWISTON — Twin Cities marketing efforts will still focus on both sides of the Androscoggin River going forward, according to a statement from the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council.

President John Holden issued a written statement Friday saying the group’s board of directors voted to continue marketing both cities and to offer loans to businesses in Lewiston and Auburn, but suspended the official seats formerly held by Auburn officials.

Lewiston city councilors voted to fully fund the Growth Council in the 2016-17 fiscal year budget. Auburn councilors voted to stop paying $160,610 per year to fund the group. Instead, the Auburn City Council voted to pursue marketing and economic development on its own.

“The decision made by the City of Auburn, to not fund (the) LAEGC does not end the fundamental economic fact that business development does not recognize municipal boundaries,” Holden said in the statement. “Yet, (the) LAEGC must recognize the contribution from the citizens of Lewiston to our efforts and has thus voted to suspend those positions on its board provided to the elected and government officials from Auburn.”

A number of Auburn residents, business owners and officials still sit on the board, Holden wrote.

The Growth Council will still kick off a new Twin Cities marketing plan, according to the statement.

According to the plan, the Growth Council will focus on three segments: Bringing in entrepreneurs and new businesses, helping Lewiston-Auburn businesses expand and grow, and attracting new business from outside L-A and Maine.