Eastport’s bootstraps

Investors and developers looking for a Maine success story should shift their eyes north to Eastport, which contintues to sparkle as an example of local initiative, cooperation with state and federal agencies and, most of all, persistence.

Blessed with ocean frontage but perceived to be stuck on a thumb of land that appeared to lead nowhere, Eastport officials set about rebuilding their community and its economy, almost from scratch.

They began with their own perspective. Able to see beyond a depressed present, local people had the vision and wisdom to concentrate on their port and its potential to handle cargo in a global economy. Fish and the new generation of aquaculture businesses continue to be an important part of the economy, but the longer view places an emphasis on trade.

For good reason.

Two years ago, the port made history when it offloaded 2,265 rolls of used magazine paper (4,417 metric tons worth) for recycling at Madison Paper Industries. Talks with broccoli and potato growers in Aroostook have yielded promise. Cheaper shipping costs out of Eastport eventually could make that facility their door to international markets.

The city and the authority, already proceeding with construction of a $15-million, two-berth pier at Estes Head, again are being expansive in their thinking. Nearby are 43 acres that would make a nice industrial park tied to the port. Why not?

Repeatedly confronted with obstacles that would have been daunting to a wealthier, more populous community, Eastport and its port authority have triumphed. They have played to their strengths — the sea and access to deep water — and have turned what once was a liability, geography, into an asset.