2 new border facilities to be complete in 2006

BAILEYVILLE – The federal government says U.S. Border Patrol agents here and in Jackman will have new digs by 2006. A site in Van Buren is expected to go out to bid in 2006.

Both the Baileyville and Jackman sites have been cleared, graded and utilities have been installed. Foundation walls and slabs have been constructed. Work is under way to construct the brick-stone buildings, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in its Update Report of Maine.

In Baileyville, where Domtar Inc. pulp and paper mill is the top employer, the $6 million construction project is a major source of jobs. The 10,800-square-foot facility, which will include a vehicle port, storage and maintenance space and an anti-smuggling unit area, is being built on Routes 9 and 1. The site will have a security fence.

Baileyville Town Manager Scott Harriman said he was pleased with the way construction at the site has been progressing. He said the new facility would help the town sell its industrial park to other possible developers.

The Jackman station will be built on Route 6/15, about 2.5 miles east of U.S. Route 201.

The facility in Van Buren will be built on U.S. Route 1A at the former Van Buren Drive-in Theater.