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Empowerment Zone

The Aroostook County Empowerment Zone (ACEZ) was designated as a new Zone in 2002 under the EZ Program's outmigration criteria; with the region qualifying as a result of the large population loss experienced since the 1960’s.  With the closure of Loring Air Force Base in 1994 and the ongoing changes in the potato industry – the traditional economic engine of the region – this population loss accelerated. 

Empowerment Zone designation was seen as an important change in direction because the federal funding available through the EZ programs could have a powerful positive impact on the regional economy.  Due to restrictions on the amount of acreage and total population that can be in an Empowerment Zone, the ACEZ encompasses three non-contiguous areas in the northeast, east-central, and southeast portions of Aroostook County. 

The Aroostook County Empowerment Zone designation represented a collaborative, three-year effort led by NMDC.  In 1999, a MOA was signed between USDA's Rural Development and Aroostook County, designating the selected areas as a Champion Community.  A September 2001 meeting of participating organizations and original 1998 planning participants resulted in revisions to the original Champion Community strategic plan.  New goals and strategies were approved during this meeting, resulting in the current strategic plan submitted for a Round III designation under the outmigration option. 

Strategic Plan Highlights:  
Goal 1: Support business success.  
Goal 2: Educate and train the workforce.
Goal 3: Improve health and social services.
Goal 4: Balance development with environmental protection.

Partnerships:

The EZ Board is comprised of representatives appointed by the governing bodies of the participating communities.  NMDC provides administrative services to the EZ Board.  NMDC works closely with existing economic development corporations, public utilities, chambers of commerce, municipal and regional development offices, and local, state, and federal agencies.  NMDC and the EZ Board partner with local and regional organizations including health and social service providers, educational institutions, Native American tribes, senior and youth service providers, and housing collaboratives.