There is good news to share from Washington County.

It’s often popular to think our region’s economic development efforts are hampered by uncooperative state officials or ignored by unsympathetic lawmakers. The “us against them” stories make the news, and heroic attempts to make progress go unacknowledged – but not today.

The Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education (DEI), which was previously known as the Beals Island Regional Shellfish Hatchery is a home grown institution on the forefront of shellfish research and clam flat management for 19 years. DEI also conducts important research on lobster and scallop husbandry. Shellfish, including lobster, represents 98 percent of Washington County’s fishery, so I consider DEI the R&D department of this industry.

A few years ago, DEI recognized it needed to expand to better serve the industry and the communities that rely on it. The directors chose a former lobster buying and impounding facility at Black Duck Cove in Beals, and have been leasing it, with the hopes of someday being able to buy it. After many efforts on many fronts, $850,000 to help with the purchase is finally included in a marine research bond issue that will be submitted to voters in November.

Including DEI in this bond issue took the unwavering support and political courage of many. Washington County’s delegation was solidly behind DEI, and their combined stewardship of our project exemplified how well they worked together this session.

I urge everyone to support the marine research bond issue on November 1, and to remember this political victory, won by a combination of local support and dedication, a persistent board of directors, and friends like we’ve seen we have in Augusta this year.

The state can work together to benefit a Washington County initiative, and DEI’s story is proof.

Dianne Tilton

Executive Director

Sunrise County Economic Council

Machias