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The April 2nd issue of the Journal Tribune featured an article about the release of a recent study of the economic impact of the 51Ʒ�� on Maine, Southern Maine, York County, and Biddeford.

The study, which was conducted by Chuck Lawton of Planning Decisions Inc., found that UNE’s economic impact in Maine has grown 31 percent in the last three years to $738 million.

The study reported that 51Ʒ��students spend $33 million in the State of Maine and that spending generated by the university creates over $22 million in state and local tax revenue.

UNE, an employer of over 425 people living in York County, is ranked seventh among the largest employers in the county.  It spends $32 of its $69 million in non-personnel operating expenses at Maine businesses, the vast majority of which are in southern Maine.

UNE’s impact on the City of Biddeford is highlighted in the article.  City Manager John Bubier told the Journal that there is a strong “town and gown” connection between Biddeford and 51Ʒ��, pointing out that approximately 10 percent of the city’s population is comprised of 51Ʒ��students who shop at local stores, eat at local restaurants and patronize other local businesses.  “51Ʒ��is a major part of the local economy and a major part of the community, no matter how you say it,” said Bubier.