APP board of directors receives update on Loring
CARIBOU — Challenges and opportunities face the Loring Commerce Centre. That statement came from the organization’s president and CEO Carl Flora as he addressed the Aroostook Partnership for Progress board of directors at their May 9 meeting.
Flora said the loss of 150 jobs at the Maine Military Authority, due to a reduction in military contracts, and the company turning back some of its buildings to the Loring Development Authority (LDA) has created a significant reduction in funding. That is the most pressing challenge for the LDA according to Flora, but he also said there are opportunities on the horizon.
“We have a Memorandum of Understanding with a company to construct rail cars at Loring,” said Flora. “This is by no means a done deal, but we have an agreement to continue discussions. If this happens it could be a game changer for Loring.”
Flora added there is no timetable or job estimates he can release right now, but initial talks have been promising.
“Loring is a big component of the Aroostook County economy,” said APP President Bob Dorsey. “With more than 1,000 jobs on the former base it is important for APP to stay connected with the LDA and offer assistance to redevelopment efforts currently underway.
Also at the board meeting, Dorsey gave an update on the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership designation application filed by Northern Maine Development Commission and APP in March.
“That designation, which we should hear about in June or July, may free up some public funds to assist the forest manufacturing industry in the region,” he added.
Dorsey said that being designated a “manufacturing community” could prove extremely beneficial for the region “as we try to promote forestry, add mills, expand manufacturing, create better paying jobs and grow our 18- to 44-year-old workforce.”
The next APP board of directors meeting will be held in Houlton at the Katahdin Trust Company Operations Center Friday, June 13 at 8:30 a.m.
