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Governor John Baldacci has
been the target of considerable criticism lately
for his veto of legislation calling for a racino
in Washington County. His detractors, including
leadership of the Passamaquoddy Tribe who sought
approval for the racetrack-slot machine complex,
have represented the proposal as something akin to
a last chance for economic development Downeast.
But in truth, things may be
looking up for Washington County. Two major
projects now in the talking stages hold far
greater potential for a long-term economic boost
than a racino that would do little more than swap
local money from one pocket to another.
One project involves
development of a liquified natural gas facility.
Two competing plans are now being considered,
either of which would generate hundreds of jobs
during construction and scores of long-term
employment opportunities when operation begins.
Passamaquoddy leadership
already has approved the location of an LNG
terminal — one that would not involve storage
tanks — on tribal property at Pleasant Point, and
negotiations are under way with Oklahoma-based
developer Quoddy Bay LLC. The federal Bureau of
Indian Affairs recently gave its nod for the tribe
and developers to continue through the maze of
applications and regulatory proceedings that will
be necessary before the project is finally
approved.
Last week, hundreds of
Robbinston residents turned out for a public
meeting with Downeast LNG developers Dean Girdis
and Robert Wyatt, who are proposing a facility
that would include storage at Mill Cove in that
community, should the town give its approval.
Last week, the county’s
economic hopes got another shot in the arm with
the announcement that a newly created Maine
company, Ecomelt Corp., is planning a $2.5-million
basalt smelting plant at the now-empty
Louisiana-Pacific oriented strand board mill in
Baileyville.
The plant, which would
convert basalt — a volcanic type rock — into
products having a multitude of uses, would
eventually employ as many as 400 people, according
to the developers.
Local voter approval of a
$2.5-million bond package would be needed, even
though developers say the town would incur no
financial liability. Funding would come from the
Finance Authority of Maine, with the company
responsible to FAME for repayment of the bond.
Obviously, there is a long
way from concept to reality both for the LNG
facility and the basalt plant. But if the projects
receive sufficient local support and due diligence
is given to environmental and other regulatory
concerns, there is good reason to believe that
Washington County’s economy could be on the verge
of a much-needed turn for the better.
Without a racino. |
