Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Letters to the Editor

Copyright © 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
 

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Time to build a refinery in Casco Bay?

As Maine has lost hundreds of manufacturing jobs since World War II and even though it appears to have succeeded in keeping Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from being closed, I believe there is a great opportunity to attract highly paid, technical jobs if we can neutralize the NIMBY (not in my back yard) objections.

I urge serious consideration be given to permitting a state-of-the-art oil refinery being established on one of the outlying islands of Casco Bay. I submit the following reasons for this proposal:

1. A substantial number of high-paying jobs would be available both during the construction as well as operation of the refinery.

2. There would be a substantial increase in the property-tax base for the locale.

3. The refinery's output would provide gasoline and heating oil for New England markets.

4. As Portland Harbor is experienced in serving tanker traffic, additional traffic should not be difficult to absorb.

5. The apparent closing of Brunswick Naval Air Station will provide available housing for any influx of out-of-state workers as well as airport facilities for serving the refinery.

As indicated on a Web site, Kuwait is interested in building a new refinery in the United States. I urge the business development entities of Maine to consider this opportunity be explored.

John Barritt
Scarborough