The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will renew their contracts for inspecting cattle for shipment from the Port of Eastport, Maine. The current contracts were set to end on November 15th, and APHIS was undecided on whether to renew them.

Last summer, Michaud worked with Senators Snowe and Collins to initiate the cattle export inspections, which is a process required by law if a port is to be approved as a livestock export facility. Rep. Michaud urged APHIS to continue this essential export market for Eastport.

Stating that he was "very pleased that they have decided to renew the inspection contracts" Rep Michaud said:

• "These exports have been critical to the economic viability of this port, which is so integral to the economy of this region. Since July of last year, the Port of Eastport has shipped over 20,000 animals in over two dozen shipments to Turkey. This contract renewal will allow the port to remain open for this valuable business."