All News Releases By Date

EPA SUPPORTS LORING REDEVELOPMENT

Release Date: 07/30/1996
Contact Information: Frank McIntyre, Office of External Programs; (617) 918-1095

LIMESTONE, Maine --- John P. DeVillars, administrator for EPA's New England region, today announced his agency would make available $75,000 to assist with the redevelopment activities at the Loring Commerce Centre. DeVillars made the announcement during a tour here to view the environmental cleanup and brownfield redevelopment effort at the former air force base.

"Today's announcement ensures that Loring once again will become a source of economic strength for Aroostook county," DeVillars said. "The Clinton-Gore administration is committed to environmentally sound brownfield site redevelopment and we're putting cold cash behind that commitment here at Loring."

EPA's New England office has made brownfield site redevelopment a top priority, awarding over $1 million in the past year to communities around the region. The Loring Development Authority sought EPA support for the reuse proposal that receives funding today.

"Loring is a prime example of what can happen when a community sets its mind to protecting its environment and revitalizing its economy at the same time," DeVillars added. "The Loring Base Conversion Agency's tremendous cleanup efforts have made the Loring Development Authority's site reuse goal an achievable one."

The funds will help a program aimed at educating the public and private sectors through community and stakeholder education to eliminate the stigma generally associated with a remediated site. A successful outreach program will ensure that all concerned parties have a clear understanding of the environmental issues and their positive impact on successful redevelopment. The Loring Development Authority is trying to attract developers to restore abandoned sites and, in turn, create new jobs and economic growth, increase property values, stimulate tax revenues and rejuvenate neighborhoods. Aroostook County lost 10 percent of its labor force and 19 percent of its payroll when the base closed in September 1994.

"I'm hugely appreciative, as all the citizens of Aroostook County must be, for the steadfast support Governor King, Senators Cohen and Snowe, and Congressman Baldacci have shown in helping to get EPA money into this impressive effort at Loring," DeVillars said.