Sen. Tipping applauds research and development investments in University of Maine
Funding made possible by a voter-approved bond supported by Sen. Tipping in 2024
AUGUSTA — Today, Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Penobscot celebrated nearly $1 million of research and development awards and private sector matching funds in Senate District 8, recently announced by Gov. Janet Mills and the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). Investments in the University of Maine, Orono, will help grow the area’s economy, support local jobs and make Maine more competitive on the global stage.
“This smart investment will help ensure that the University of Maine can continue to build its reputation as a first-class research institution,” said Sen. Tipping. “Along with my proposal to bring millions of dollars to UMaine last session and the proposal for an additional $2 million in the supplemental budget, these investments will create jobs and grow the economy — all while developing cutting-edge, innovative designs and products in several industries. When we invest in these facilities, we invest in Maine’s future.”
The awards were made possible by the voter-approved, $25 million research and development bond measure placed on the ballot by the Maine Legislature in 2024 with support from Sen. Tipping. This year, 23 awards were made across nine counties, creating 1,233 jobs, supporting 2,718 current jobs and unlocking over $700 million in private sector matching funds.
MTI’s summary of awards in Senate District 8 follows:
University of Maine, Orono, Penobscot County
Project Title: Infrastructure Improvement Project at the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center Materials Processing Laboratory
Project Summary: This project will upgrade the Materials Processing Laboratory at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center to one capable of producing low-cost bio composite materials at pilot scale of 500 lbs./day. This facility will support both ongoing and future work with Maine based composite companies producing products by 3D printing, roto molding and injection molding. The facility will include a kinetic mixer — a leading technology for compounding both highly filled wood and recycled composite materials. This will support job creation in both the composite industry as well as the forestry and agriculture industries in Maine by utilizing wood residuals in advanced materials.
Funding Approved: $441,750
Match: $468,000
###