Until we meet
In an effort to bring back the businesses that helped grow Millinocket, the nonprofit organization Our Katahdin One North has announced a new development, formerly known as the Great Northern Paper Mill.
According to Katahdin, the company aims to expand its position while maintaining a large timber processing industry. Our Katahdin said the site will focus on producing the much-needed wood pellets and processing biomass from neighboring countries in the state.
"We want to get the biggest and best use out of all aspects of that wood. So we hope it can be an anchor that will attract other related businesses," said Shawn DeWitt, our president of Katahdin.
To support production, nearby railroad tracks will need upgrades, which the team hopes to receive through CRISI funding from the Maine Department of Transportation.
He indicated that although the group is confident of receiving the support, they are still waiting to hear the results from the Federal Railway Administration.
"Our plan is to restore that runway, rebuild it where it needs maintenance and expand it to the new area, which is about ten thousand feet of runway expansion," said Steve Sanders, industrial zone development director. , he said..
According to Sanders, the project has already attracted the attention of other states, with an Arkansas company agreeing to partner on the Millinocket campus. Both projects and collaborations are expected to have positive effects on job creation.
"A pellet plant of this size is a significant capital expense. Once operational, it will create over a hundred full-time jobs," Sanders explained.
Dewitt said that the common feeling that he has experienced is that the project is a great success, a very important change in society.
"Our hope is that this will provide jobs for the Greater Cathydin region, but also help bring our families back home," DeWitt said.
If all goes well, the yard and forest products railway is expected to be operational by 2026.
