March 29, 2024
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Piscataquis County panel urged to fund development

DOVER-FOXCROFT – A regional official encouraged Piscataquis County commissioners Tuesday to fully fund the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council.

Philomena Marshall, chairman of the Moosehead Development Council, which represents Moosehead Lake-area businesses and community leaders, advised commissioners in a letter that the wood composites incubator center proposed for Greenville would not have been possible had it not been for the efforts of the PCEDC.

Marshall urged commissioners to provide full funding to the council. She also noted the grants the Piscataquis panel secured for Greater Greenville.

The council requested $75,000 in the 2003 budget, an increase of $35,000 over previous years, for administration and marketing. The increase is to offset a loss in state funds. In addition, the council has requested $29,000 for the first-year payment of a proposed speculative building in Greenville.

The proposed county budget includes $40,000, the same amount provided by the council in previous years, and the $29,000 for the speculative building, but not the $35,000 increase.

The commissioners will adopt a spending plan in December after a review of recommendations is made by the county budget advisory committee, and public comments can be heard Nov. 25.

“I want to see a breakdown of where the money is going to be spent” before including the money, said Commissioner Ruel Cross.

A resolution was signed by commissioners Tuesday that opposes any attempt to create a national park visitor’s center in Monson.

The resolution was prompted by a comment by Roxanne Quimby, a park supporter, who suggested she might open a business in Monson that would serve Appalachian Trail hikers and welcome visitors to the region.

The commissioner said a center would give a false impression to visitors that surrounding communities favor the creation of a national park.

A $21,000 payment was approved to Roof Systems of Maine of Bangor for work on the Superior Courthouse roof.


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