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February 28, 2004 Harpswell Board of Selectmen
263 Mountain Road
P.O. Box 39
Harpswell, ME 04079
Re: Written Testimony Fairwinds LNG Project
Dear Board of Selectmen:
On behalf of the Town of Cumberland, I wish to express our concerns
with the proposed Fairwind Project in Harpswell. The Cumberland Town
Council has taken no formal position on this project and fully supports
the authority of the Board of Selectmen to undertake a public process on
behalf of its residents.
The decision before you is a difficult one. In response to the State's
looming budget crisis and the erosion of outside funding, this project
might be eagerly seen as the "Property Tax Relief" panacea for any
community. As Town Manager, I admit I would toil extensively to weigh the
competing effects of such a project.
As you are aware, we are an island neighbor to Harpswell. Cumberland's
population includes Chebeague Island's 350 year round residents. Nearly 75
Chebeague Island lobstermen and fishermen earn their livelihood in the
waters off Harpswell. The underlying economy which supports those
fishermen includes marinas, the local store, and trades such as mechanics,
boat builders, and other related services. The fishing industry has served
as the stronghold of Chebeague Island for generations.
Cumberland's concerns are due primarily to a lack of information and
participation related to this project. We fully understand this hearing to
be only the first step in the process, but our initial step is taken in
the dark. We urge you to spearhead a process to incorporate communities
who are wholly or severely impacted, as is the case with Cumberland.
With that in mind, we respectfully request your assistance in the
following ways:
- Extend the same financial protections to nonresident fishermen
whose livelihood is dependent on the waters in or near the shipping lane
of the LNG tanker.
- Devise a process to compensate fishermen who may incur damages as a
result of the LNG tanker or pipeline.
- Produce a schedule for the construction of the pipe line. The
Chebeague Island Transportation Company (CTC), a for-profit entity, is
responsible for transporting 140,000 passengers annually to and from the
island. The CTC also provides barging services to its residents and
businesses. These fees represent a critical component of the companies
operating revenues. A decrease or suspension in the barging activities
would force the CTC to increase passenger rates in order to remain
viable.
- Consider the transportation schedule of the CTC vessel service. The
pipe line installation will conflict with the passenger service. A
schedule which recognizes the CTC services will avoid passengers being
stranded on the mainland or island. Coordination of hours is also
critical with regard to rescue services, as the CTC also serves the
island ambulance.
- Perform an environmental impact study which specifically addresses
the impact of the gas line upon the fishing industry. The study should
include, at a minimum, the effects upon lobster migration and the impact
to crustaceans and other fish population if these pipes are laid on the
ocean floor.
- A guarantee of protection of the underground telephone and power
lines from the mainland to Chebeague Island.
- Development of an evacuation plan.
- Assess and define the need for training and/or equipment for our
volunteer Firefighters.
With this project outside our direct control and without firsthand
knowledge of the LNG application, it has been difficult for me and the
elected officials to respond to the onslaught of questions from our
residents. We believe strongly that good government must provide accurate,
timely responses to its citizenry in order to maintain trust and
confidence. To date, Cumberland's information has been limited to
second-hand news at best. This scarcity of information has only served to
exacerbate the burgeoning demand for facts and input.
The Town of Cumberland extends our best regards as you deliberate this
important matter. If the LNG Plant is approved, we respectfully request
the opportunity to collaborate as neighbors in order to dialogue our
issues with you. We hope you will acknowledge the significant impact to
the citizens of Cumberland if you choose to move forward with this project
and issue a response to these significant concerns.
Sincerely,
William R. Shane
Cumberland Town Manager
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