Development authority seeks expanded role with legislation

The Washington County Development Authority (WCDA) is "fighting for its survival," says WCDA board Chairman Harold Prescott. Its survival hinges on the ability to raise funds for economic development projects within the county. Prescott explains that any funds the authority has been able to use to help economic development efforts have come from the legislature. "Some of the things we've put funds out to have been successful. It's created jobs. And that's our main objective -- to help businesses."
In 2001 WCDA was created by the legislature so that a state entity could take title to the former Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station in Cutler. "We were empowered to take over government surplus property. We didn't receive a lot of money at that time," says Prescott. He explains that, with the Cutler property, "The main objective was to take possession and then transfer title." Over the years the original legislation was amended to broaden the scope of WCDA's ability to provide financial and economic development assistance to nonprofits and governmental entities. In 2007 it received $75,000 from the legislature. According to WCDA part‑time Executive Director Christine Laurel, the authority has funded about 10 projects, ranging from a $50,000 grant to Axiom Technologies to smaller grants, such as $9,000 and $5,000 to Quoddy Mist.
In order for WCDA to finance economic development projects, it needs to be able raise money. Rep. James Parker of Veazie is sponsoring a bill, LD 1127, as emergency legislation that would allow the authority to borrow money and issue bonds. The authority would be able to enter into loans or security agreements with banks, insurance companies and institutions that administer pension funds, among others. If enacted the bill would give WCDA the same authority given to the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority to borrow money and issue bonds. The bill has been referred to the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee. A hearing has not yet been scheduled on it.
Rep. Dianne Tilton of Harrington is sponsoring a legislative resolve, LR 1741, with a different focus. She explains that a technicality in the law does not define entities such as WCDA and the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority as local development authorities. Her resolve would allow a organizations such as WCDA to act as a local development authority and thus be able to access federal grants for local development projects. "It's all about economic development and the capacity to use local resources," she says. The resolve will be voted on before the session ends in June but if passed would not take effect until September.
WCDA grants have tended to be for smaller amounts, which, according to Laurel, fits right into their role as an economic development engine for the county. "We're more of the micro function," she explains. While larger entities such as Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) have worked over the years to bring millions of dollars to the county in the form of Community Development Block Grants, planning studies and other large financial efforts, WCDA is about assisting county businesses, which are primarily small, Laurel says. "We want to help them."
Washington County has since been shifted from the jurisdiction of EMDC to the Northern Maine Development Commission. Prescott says that the authority "fully intends to work with them" and with other economic development organizations.
Laurel notes that she is constantly referring businesses and individuals to the Sunrise County Economic Council, a Washington County nonprofit.
But first, Prescott says, "I just hope we get the support we need." He has asked for a meeting with Senate President Kevin Raye and Governor Paul LePage "so that we can discuss where we stand with the administration. We don't have a whole lot of money." He adds, "Hopefully these two bills will help us."