EPA New England Press Releases

EPA SUPPORTS LORING REDEVELOPMENT

For more information, contact:
Frank McIntyre, Office of External Programs; (617) 918-1095

For immediate release: July 30, 1996; Release # 96-7-22

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.

 

METADATA

1. TITLE: EPA Supports Loring Redevelopment

2. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A

3. ABSTRACT: John P. DeVillars, administrator of EPA's New England region, 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 to view the environmental cleanup and brownfield redevelopment effort at the former Air Force base.

4. PURPOSE: Public Information

5. ORIGINATOR: Regional Administrator's Office

6. PUBLICATION DATE: 08/02/96

7. ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: N/A

8. AVAILABILITY: N/A
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   c. Technical Prerequisites:
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   e. Downloadable Files:

9. COVERAGE: N/A

10. TIME PERIOD OF COVERAGE: N/A

11. POINT OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    Frank McIntyre
    Office of the Regional Administrator
    EPA Region 1, New England
    JFK Kennedy Building (RAA)
    Boston, MA 02203
    617-918-1095

12. RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
    Doug Gutro
    Office of the Regional Administrator

13. DATE OF CREATION: 08/02/96

14. AGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: N/A

15. EXPIRATION DATE: 10/30/96