LNG project might be good for Passamaquoddy economy
Portland Press Herald
Sunday, August 22, 2004

EDITORIAL:

The Passamaquoddy Tribe has decided to move forward with a liquified natural gas terminal at Pleasant Point, and it could be a good thing for both the tribe and the state.

It was important for this decision to be left up to the tribes, without influence from the state - or from this editorial board. The tribe has sovereignty within the state of Maine, and this is an issue that will have profound local impacts.

Now that the tribe has voted in favor of the project, however, we'll say that this could be very positive for the tribe and for the rest of Maine. The project could bring as many as 1,000 jobs during construction and 70 permanent, full-time postions. Annual revenues could range between $4 million to $20 million, depending on whether or not the tribe becomes a co-owner of the facility. Each tribal member also would receive annual payments of $1,000, and the facility could help attract other much-needed businesses to the area.

Not everyone in the community likes the project, however, and there are legitimate concerns. The environmental impacts of such a terminal should be studied carefully as well as safety issues with bringing tankers into the area. Other communities also can be affected by this project, including Eastport, Lubec and New Brunswick's Campobello Island.

Whether or not the LNG terminal in Pleasant Point is constructed, it's likely an LNG plant will be built somewhere in Maine. It shouldn't be sited in a community simply because it will accept the plant, it should be a community that's also well-suited for it.

Pleasant Point is a great candidate because of its economic needs, but, as the Passamaquoddies proceed with the project, they should examine other factors carefully.

Wherever it goes, the facility should be something that creates long-term benefits for its community, not long-term headaches.