FORT FAIRFIELD and PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Tri-Community Landfill and the City of Presque Isle have received $676,485 in grant funds to facilitate efficient regional recycling services.
TCL and city officials said Friday, Sept. 7, via a press release that the State of Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Community Development for the Efficient Delivery of Local and Regional Services, issued the grant.
Specifically, they said, the funds will be used to construct additions to TCL’s recycling buildings; and to purchase a new, modern, efficient baler for processing of recyclable materials collected in the central and northern Aroostook region.
The project is a major component of the merger agreement between TCL and Presque Isle that seeks to stabilize solid waste management costs for the region.
“These funds will allow us to consolidate two recycling operations into one; and will provide us with a new baler that should serve the needs of the region for decades to come, at little or no capital expense to the local property taxpayer,” explained Mark Draper, solid waste director for TCL.
Presque Isle City Manager Martin Puckett added, “Obtaining this grant is a major step towards regional collaboration to benefit County residents for decades.”
Some work may begin as soon as this fall, in preparation for the combining of operations on or after Jan. 1, 2019, according to the press release.
