LIMESTONE – To achieve its redevelopment potential, the Loring Development Authority needs to convince state and federal agencies to increase funding. At the same time, more people are needed to live in northern Maine to fill the thousands of jobs the reuse agency wants to create.

To renovate and restore remaining buildings and other infrastructure at the Loring Commerce Centre, reuse officials said Wednesday they need $33 million.

Aroostook County needs to attract more people to the area to combat the perception, created by the low unemployment rate, that there is a labor shortage in the region.

The comments were made Wednesday during a discussion at the LDA Board of Trustees meeting at the commerce center.

According to the LDA development plan, between 3,000 and 5,000 jobs are expected to be created by 2009, some 15 years after the former military base closed. There are commitments at this time for 1,400 jobs by current companies at Loring.

To maintain existing buildings and other facilities, such as a railroad line and the wastewater treatment plant, LDA officials are knocking on state and federal doors asking for financial help.

“I’ll be honest with you, we’re having a difficult time convincing our federal and state partners [of the funding needs],” LDA President Brian Hamel said.

Included in the $33 million is $8 million to revamp two aviation hangars and to repave taxiways on the airfield. Of that, $3 million is needed almost immediately in order to attract prospective tenants.

Another $4 million is needed to upgrade a section of railroad track that would be used by a french-fry manufacturer planning to build at the commerce center next year.

A few more million is needed to repair some older pipes in the sewer system that are failing and another $1 million to demolish other buildings in preparation for new construction.

A small part of the needed funding is included in a bond package that will be considered by the new Maine Legislature and put out to voters next November, according to Hamel.

Meanwhile, the LDA also is talking to the Air Force, state officials and the federal Economic Development Administration. Commercial lenders also have been approached.

Hamel said the response to the LDA’s needs has not been positive.

The LDA board also discussed Wednesday ways of how to attract more people into the area in view of the region’s low unemployment rate. A proposal was approved to work with local chambers of commerce on the issue.

Hamel said companies look at the jobless rate and may choose not to consider northern Maine for possible expansion or relocation.

“We need to do a better job in people attraction to do a good job in economic development,” said Hamel, in asking the board for suggestions.

LDA Board Chairman Al Watt said that a variety of higher-paying jobs need to be offered. At the same time, The County’s image has to be changed.

“For some reason, people from other places view this area as the end of the world,” Watt said.

Dan LaPointe, another trustee, suggested targeting high school students who are contemplating leaving the area for higher education. Once away, they don’t return, LaPointe said.

Several individual area programs to attract people back were cited, but it also was noted that no cooperative effort existed, according to the trustees.

A Web site also was proposed with testimonials on why people have moved back or chose to stay in the area after being stationed in the military in northern Maine.

“Let people know we’re more than a tourist attraction,” said Watt.

While not disagreeing that an effort was needed, Trustee Phil St. Peter said the communities surrounding Loring should be more involved in attracting new residents.

“I think they should play a bigger role,” said St. Peter. “We’ve created the jobs.”