Congressman Mike Michaud has announced that the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) has approved $250,000 for the Town of Madawaska. According to the NBRC, the funding will be used to promote a regional effort to expand economic development and tourism opportunities for communities in the St. John Valley region by investing in the expansion of recreational facilities within the towns of Madawaska, St. Agatha, and Frenchville. The NBRC funds will be matched with state and local funds for a total project cost of $692,512. This effort is in advance of the 2014 World Acadian Congress event that will take place in the region.

Michaud, who is the first recognized Franco-American from Maine to be elected to federal office, is a co-chair of the French Caucus in Congress. He is also the author of the legislation that created the NBRC, which is charged with addressing the community and economic development needs of the most severely distressed portions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Upstate New York.

"This is an important investment that will help create jobs and position the region for future growth," said Michaud. "Our state has a proud Franco-American history, and this initiative will help the region capitalize on the cultural and economic opportunities that come along with hosting the 2014 World Acadian Congress."