CARIBOU, Maine — The Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) held their executive board of directors meeting on Thursday in the NMDC board room.
Prior to the meeting, a special lunch was served for the board members in attendance, which began at 11:45 a.m. in order to make sure everyone was fully nourished before the meeting commenced.
First on the agenda was the request for authorization to apply for brownfields funding in the amount of $200,000. According to Clark, NMDC is currently seeking an EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant to perform six Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and six Phase II ESAs on sites that are potentially contaminated with petroleum product. The Brownfield Steering Committee will select up to six sites for Phase I ESAs based on the following criteria: 1) property located within NMDC’s service area, 2) property owner is willing to redevelop the parcel, 3) site qualifies for EPA assessment funds, 4) overall redevelopment potential, 5) redevelopment plans, 6) stimulate other projects in community, and 7) return on investment.
The steering committee will select up to six sites for Phase II ESAs based on the criteria listed above and: 1) findings and results from the Phase I ESA, 2) potential degree of contamination, and 3) ability to leverage state and federal incentives.
In August, NMDC developed and distributed a Request For Proposals (RFP) to known qualified environmental professionals.
“The qualified environmental professional will be responsible to complete all assessment work before the three-year timeframe, and aid NMDC staff to inform municipalities, residents and other stakeholders of brownfields, and the benefits that redevelopment and reuse of these sites may offer communities economically and socially, assist the Brownfields Steering Committee to identify known and potential brownfield sites, assist with securing access agreements with property owners and conduct Phase I, and where necessary, Phase II ESAs,” Clark added.
Another grant that NMDC has recently been awarded is the National Emergency Grant.
On Jan. 23, Great Northern Paper Company announced a 16-week curtailment of production with the employees continuing to work for the first eight weeks. On Feb. 6, the company announced that this plan was not feasible and promptly laid off a total of 212 of the 256 member workforce. On April 11, the company laid off an additional 13 workers bringing the total of currently unemployed to 225. The National Emergency Grant award of $279,102 will assist the affected workers with job training and supportive services to help upgrade skills and find new employment or training opportunities.
Also during the meeting, it was announced that new members have recently been appointed to the Aroostook County Tourism (ACT) board. Jane Torres, who is the director of the Chamber of Commerce in Houlton and Joe LaChance of Four Corners Park in Madawaska will both be acting on the board, effective immediately.
The next NMDC executive board of directors meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 12:30 p.m. in the NMDC board room.
