PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — More details were revealed at the Oct. 5 City Council meeting about the funding used for phase I of the aerospace research center at Presque Isle International Airport.
Airport director Scott Wardwell presented what the $4.5 million Economic Development Administration grant funding will be used for in phase I, which would be a new 1,500-foot-long street off Airport Drive with a parking lot, plus a 16,000-square-foot hangar.
The airport director recently announced that VALT Enterprizes Inc. would use the new aerospace research facility to develop high-speed hypersonic propulsion rockets for space flight. The rockets will be tested west of Ashland in remote parts of the northern Maine woods. The company expects to expand its workforce from 13 to 126.
“Talking about aerospace research parks in Aroostook County isn’t a very common thing. It’s something more you’d see just outside Washington, D.C., or South Garden, California,” Wardwell said.
There will be $1 million for installation of a 12-inch water main running from the intersection of Edgemont Drive and Central Drive for easy access to fire suppression. Wardwell said there’s a local share of $1.25 million, which will come from a portion of the COVID-19 relief money awarded to the airport by the FAA.
“However, because we have a lot to do here, we want to stretch our local money as much as possible. I am currently in discussion with a state entity to take 10 percent of the total project,” Wardwell said.
The 10 percent would cut the local share down to $562,000. As soon as the city signs the grant agreement, construction for the aerospace research center will begin. The project will be completed in nine years with phase I being done as quickly as possible, Wardwell said.
Out of the $5.6 million, approximately $4.7 million will be used for construction, with the rest going toward engineering. A more detailed budget for the hangar will be provided to City Manager Martin Puckett.
It doesn’t include construction for the ramp and taxiway that the FAA will fund or a capital improvement program for 2025, according to Wardwell.
The first winterization and rental modernization (WARM) loan of more than $33,000 was awarded to Kevin Thorstenson to modernize his current rental stock of eight buildings on 290 Skyway St. and 24 Academy St. Thorstenson wants to outfit his apartment boilers with more energy-efficient and cost-effective propane.
The WARM loan was made through the city at an interest rate of 2.25 percent to lower heat costs in buildings. The loan was not done through a bank due to the higher interest rates there.
“We always tell people when they apply through the Presque Isle Development Fund, check your options with them in DC, check your options with your local banks and credit unions to get the best terms you possibly can,” said director of Economic and Community Development Galen Wiebley.
The council approved two facade loans for Matt McGinley of Royal Leaf Apothecary and Chad Graham of Fieldstone Leasing on Main Street. McGinley wanted to replace the Royal Leaf banner with a sign on the awning and lighting shining down on the storefront and lights mounted with wire along the alleyway.
City Council also approved the transfer of $1,755 in drug forfeitures to the Presque Isle Police Department and the consent agenda of warrants totaling $1.6 million.
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — October 5, 2022 — Airport director Scott Wardwell presenting an informational session about phase I of the aerospace research center for the International Airport to City Council. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Matt McGinley of Royal Leaf Apothecary describing to City Council how he plans to hang the lights in the alleyway next to his store. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
