There is drastic contrast between urban and rural Maine, and these divides have led to several articles discussing the possibility of two Maines, despite there obviously being only one. However, this divide is not unfounded since much of the Southern coast of Maine produces nearly half of the state’s total GDP while the rest lags behind. This is not the product of a healthy economy, the fact that the greater Portland area produces approximately 40% of Maine’s GDP, and supports one-third of its jobs makes the state dependent on one small portion. If there were ever an economic downturn in Portland, the whole state of Maine would be severely hurt. The economic problems that Maine face can be solved if the urban and rural counties of Maine cooperate …show more content…
Maine has a serious lack of processing facilities within the state’s borders, forcing many already struggling farmers to outsource their product to other places across the country, even at times Canada. If Maine farmers were able to rely on the industry from the urban portions of the state, they would be dependent on one another and more interconnected. Northerners in rural counties would also be struggling less and producing more GDP as well since they’re doing business within the state itself. By investing in more process facilities for food stuffs, Maine farmers would not have to sacrifice tradition for the sake economic prosperity, they also would be able to catch up with the economic growth that is experienced in the Greater Portland Area. With new developments in infrastructure, the rural counties of Maine will attract younger generations who express interest in agriculture either as farmers, or …show more content…
Tourism is a vital industry in the state of Maine, in 2015 alone the tourism revenue in the state reached over five and a half billion dollars. If rural Maine were investing more in infrastructure and recreation, they could easily take advantage of the influx in people coming to the state every year. Shifting focus from industrialization of mills and other industries which are outdated, rural Maine should slowly begin to invest more in commerce, transportation, and service industries if they wish to close the gap between them and the Greater Portland Area. This does not mean completely abandoning the vibrant agricultural industry in the state, but simply expanding their interests beyond traditional values which continue to hold back the Northern half of