A New Beginning

LETTER SENT OUT TO TOWN RESIDENTS

Dear East Millinocket Residents,

Over the past year, East Millinocket Industrials (EMI), in coordination with the Town of East Millinocket, has continued to make steady progress in the redevelopment of the former Great Northern Paper mill site. This long-term effort remains focused on revitalizing the property, attracting new businesses, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for our community and region.

One major milestone this year was the launch of a new website dedicated to the mill redevelopment project. The site serves as a central source of information, including project updates, historical background, environmental reports, and details on active grants and redevelopment efforts. It will continue to be updated with timelines, reports, and before-and-after photos as projects move forward. Residents are encouraged to visit: eastmillworks.com

Key Accomplishments

•  Launched redevelopment website: eastmillworks.com

•  Through a collaborative effort between the Town of East Millinocket and East Millinocket Industrials (EMI), approximately $14.75 million in redevelopment grant funding was secured and advanced, including:

–  A $4 million EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant

–  A $5 million HUD-funded building rehabilitation project (FY24)

–  An additional $5 million HUD grant award (FY26), pending contract execution

–  A $750,000 NBRC Grant

•  Completed perimeter security fencing, targeted site paving, and guardrail repairs

•  Initiated stormwater infrastructure improvements

•  Completed environmental assessments, engineering analysis, and geotechnical work on the mill site

•  Leveraged support from the Maine Army National Guard for site work, resulting in significant cost savings

•  Continued tenant recruitment and business development efforts

•  Advanced evaluation of Substation 3 and related electrical infrastructure

•  Coordinated with the State of Maine regarding potential additional land for redevelopment

•  Hosted site tours and continued public engagement efforts

EMI also continues to work in partnership with the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority. Through this collaboration, the Land Bank has provided technical and financial support for the evaluation of Substation 3, assisted with development of the redevelopment website, and continues to help vet prospective tenants and redevelopment opportunities.

In addition to grant-funded activities, important site preparation work has continued, including environmental assessments, engineering analysis, and infrastructure planning. The Maine Army National Guard also contributed significantly to site work activities, helping advance redevelopment efforts while reducing overall project costs.

Efforts to attract new tenants remain ongoing, with continued interest from prospective businesses and developers. Planning is also underway to improve site access, traffic flow, and security, while evaluating the infrastructure necessary to support future industrial and commercial development.

Environmental cleanup and redevelopment activities continue to be coordinated with state and federal partners to ensure regulatory compliance and long-term success. The Town is also working with the State of Maine regarding the potential transfer of additional land to support future redevelopment opportunities.

2026 Project Priorities

With active grant funding now in place, EMI has established the following priorities for 2026:

•  Stormwater Management:

Complete the stormwater management project by the end of the summer. This includes restoring proper function to the holding pond near the river, addressing the drainage issue that causes water to flow over the roadway near the paper warehouse, reducing debris accumulation, and plugging drains in front of the paper warehouse.

•  Website Improvements:

Continue expanding and improving eastmillworks.com by uploading additional project documents, environmental reports, grant updates, and redevelopment progress reports so residents and prospective tenants have access to current information.

•  Finishing Room and Core Room:

Complete renovations to the Finishing Room and Core Room, including installation of water and sewer service to the building.

•  Training Center:

Complete renovations to the Training Center, including installation of water and sewer infrastructure. Several companies have already expressed interest in leasing this facility upon completion.

•  New Train Shed:

Complete renovations to the New Train Shed located adjacent to the paper warehouse.

•  Backflow Building:

Complete renovations to the Backflow Building, which has been maintained by the East Millinocket Public Water Works. Planned improvements include electrical upgrades, installation of a heat pump, and energy-efficiency improvements.

•  Recycle Building:

Enclose the Recycle Building and provide electrical service to support future use of the facility.

•  Bunker C Oil Tank Removal:

Remove the Bunker C oil tank located at the entrance to the mill site using EPA Brownfields Cleanup funding. Approximately 70,000 gallons of Bunker C oil remain in the tank. Removal of this tank represents a major environmental milestone for both the site and the community.

As redevelopment progresses, EMI and the Town remain committed to keeping residents informed. The redevelopment website will continue to serve as a central source for project information and updates.

While redevelopment of the mill site remains a long-term effort, the progress achieved this year represents meaningful steps toward revitalizing this important asset and strengthening the local economy.

Partnership with the Board of Selectmen

EMI also wants to express its appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for their continued partnership and support. Redevelopment of a site of this scale requires close coordination between EMI and the Town, and that collaboration has never been stronger.

The Board of Selectmen has been a committed partner throughout this process — supporting grant applications, providing town resources, and working through the many challenges that come with a redevelopment project of this complexity and size.

While some individuals serve on both boards, that shared commitment has strengthened our ability to move redevelopment efforts forward in a coordinated and productive manner. EMI and the Town of East Millinocket remain aligned in purpose, and we believe that unity and cooperation will ultimately make this redevelopment effort successful for the entire community.

Acknowledgments

We extend our sincere appreciation to the East Millinocket Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department, East Millinocket Public Water Works, Town Administration and Schenck High School for their ongoing support and partnership throughout the redevelopment process.

We are especially grateful to the citizens of East Millinocket for your continued patience, encouragement, and support, and to the Board of Selectmen for their leadership and collaboration.

Doug Fiske — who stepped down from the EMI Board this year — has been a tremendous asset to both EMI and the Town of East Millinocket. His extensive knowledge of the mill site — including its buildings, systems, and history — has been invaluable throughout the redevelopment process. His steady counsel, commitment, and years of service have made a lasting impact on this effort. We are deeply grateful.

Diane Fiske, although not a board member, has generously contributed her time and expertise on behalf of EMI. Diane has carefully reviewed invoices related to grant-funded activities, helping ensure financial accountability and compliance. Her diligence and dedication have been a tremendous asset to this effort, and we are deeply grateful for all she has contributed.

Steve Fraser, our former CEO, continues to support EMI in meaningful ways despite stepping back from the board. Steve’s institutional knowledge of the mill site, along with his continued assistance with lease negotiations, budgeting, and day-to-day operational matters, has been an invaluable resource to both EMI and the Town. We sincerely appreciate his continued dedication to this community and redevelopment effort.

Respectfully submitted,

EMI Board of Directors

Special Projects

Steve Fraser (Former CEO)

Tenant Spotlight

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