SNOWE, COLLINS ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $140,000 TO THE MAINE TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced $144,470 in federal funding to the Maine Technology Institute. This federal funding was awarded by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This federal grant will support efforts to spur innovative economic and technological competitiveness of rural small businesses.

"Through implementing and expanding comprehensive technology programs, rural small businesses will be able to further invest and develop, thereby strengthening local economies," Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement.

Maine Technology Institute was awarded the funding under the SBA's Small Business Innovation Research program and Rural Outreach program. Small businesses are assisted through rural funding to invest in technological upgrades and provide incentives to profit from its commercialization of the technology, product, or service, which, in turn, stimulates the U.S. economy. Small businesses participating in the research and development arena are encouraged to explore high-tech innovation and research programs.