WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin released the following joint statement today on the conclusion of the Economic Development Assessment Team’s (EDAT) three-day deployment to Maine:

“As the Economic Development Assessment Team concludes its work on-the-ground in Maine today, we wish to express our thanks to the Commerce Department and to members of the multi-agency team for their efforts over the past three days. We look forward to their continued commitment as we move forward. We also commend the representatives of all sectors of Maine’s forest products industry for their active engagement and their ideas – all of which will be central to strengthening Maine’s forest economy.

“The EDAT is not a silver bullet to the challenges Maine’s forest economy faces. We believe, however, that it is an important first step and the beginning of a longer-term process among industry, local stakeholders, and federal agencies that can revitalize this critical pillar of our economy, support future investment and innovation in the forest sector, and assist rural communities across the state.

“We look forward to the Commerce Department’s multi-agency report, which will outline the strategic action plan for engagement over the next several months and years. We continue to believe that, through collaboration and innovation, the future for Maine’s forest products industry is bright.”

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