CHAPTER 179

S.P. 445 - L.D. 1357

An Act To Encourage Economic Development in Piscataquis

County

Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, recent Dexter Shoe and Great Northern Paper, Inc. plant closings in the Town of Dexter, the Town of Millinocket and the Town of East Millinocket have resulted in the loss of more than 1,600 manufacturing jobs in Penobscot County and adjacent portions of Piscataquis County; and

Whereas, prior to the recent plant closings, the rate of unemployment in Piscataquis County exceeded the statewide unemployment rate; and

Whereas, there is a need to expand and diversify employment opportunities in Piscataquis County to mitigate the adverse economic effects of the Dexter Shoe and Great Northern Paper, Inc. plant closings; and

Whereas, the organized towns of Piscataquis County individually lack the tax base and financial resources to effectively encourage new economic development; and

Whereas, there is a need to encourage regional economic development efforts in Piscataquis County; and