May 4, 2004. Maine Governor Baldacci writes to Town of Searsport

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May 4, 2004

Board of Selectmen
Town of Searsport
P.O. Box 494
Searsport, ME 04974

Dear Members of the Board of Selectmen of Searsport:

I write in response to your letter dated Apnl 15, 2004, requesting a local voice in the process of industrial development in Searsport.

With respect to any proposal to develop an LNG facility in any town in Maine, I have previously stated that I will defer to local governments as key decision-makers before taking action. to support any particular proposal.

With respect to any proposal to develop an LNG facility on land owned by MaineDOT in the Town of Searsport, MaineDOT will not enter into any formal agreement with an LNG developer without the support of the Town of Searsport. A necessary first step is a vote of the Selectmen or a vote of the Town providing direction on haw the Town would like to proceed.

The letter of the Selectmen dated April 1.5_ 2004, inquires more broadly regarding industrial and economic development in the Town of Searsport. My letter today deals narrowly with LNG development. I know that MaineDOT has actively communicated its interest in working with Searsport in the town's comprehensive planning and implementation processes. Through that process, the community and MaineDOT can work toward .defining a vision for the future of Searsport and Sears Island.

cc: Senator Carol Weston
Representative Don Berry
Commissioner David Cole

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