- It may provide needed tax revenues for the town. Although Sears
Island is owned by the state and is not on the tax rolls, the
value of the equipment and the facility itself may be taxable.
Harpswell was offered $8 million annually for allowing an LNG
facility there. A similar offer may be made to Searsport. This
amount, for example, would more than pay the entire education
budget for all three towns.
- Because of the above and the reduced desirability
of local property to people from away (summer homes, retirement
homes, etc), property tax rates will likely go down. Local residents
will be able to stay in the area, rather than being forced to
move elsewhere in search of lower property taxes.
- Jobs created by the development will provide money to the local
economy. Hundreds of jobs would be provided during the construction
phase of the project. Although most of these jobs may not go
to locals, the workers will spend a portion of their paychecks
locally. Local stores, restaurants, motels, gas stations, and
construction supply companies will benefit. The 50 employees
who will be hired to operate the plant – and their families – will
continue to contribute to the local economy after the construction
phase is complete.
- The improved local economy will create more jobs and allow
more young people to stay in the area, rather than moving away
in order to find work.
- The jobs created by the LNG development will increase the level
of diversity the level of education in this area. The 50 employees
of the LNG plant will be highly educated individuals, many with
PhD's. By buying homes in the area, sending their children to
our schools, and participating in town government, they will
contribute to the growth and development of our local communities.
- The capacity of Searsport fire, police, and ambulance services
will be upgraded – and will be available for public benefit.
- The presence of an LNG plant may make Searsport a magnet for
other industries that may choose to locate here as well, providing
more jobs to the community and more money for the local economy.
- Our local economy will become less dependent on tourism – which
can be an unreliable source of income, largely depending on the
weather and economic conditions.
- LNG and other clean energy sources might eventually be made
available for local commercial and residential use, thus reducing
the cost of energy locally and improving the local economy.
- LNG is a relatively clean fuel with a good safety record, and
helps the U.S. reduce reliance on Mid-East oil – thus providing
environmental and political benefits. As hosts of an LNG plant,
Searsport residents can take pride in doing something patriotic
and good for the environment.
- Sears Island is an ideal site for LNG development. It has a
protected harbor with deep water access (this is rare) and owned
by the state of Maine . The island already has a road and a pier.
In addition, it is adjacent to Mack Point which has already been
developed for large cargo ships and fuel storage.
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