USDA investing in American Indian enterprise in Maine

HOULTON, Maine (AP) – The federal government is giving more than $200,000 to a pair of northern Maine tribal communities to strengthen economic development efforts.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is giving a little less than $100,000 to the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and more than $120,000 to the Aroostook Band of Micmacs.

Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King say the money will be used to improve business innovation among members of the tribes. The Micmacs plan to use their money to develop a plan to determine the best use of their 3,000 acres of land and other assets.

The Maliseet Indians intend to create a loan fund to support small tribal enterprises.