The expansion is expected to create good-paying jobs in renewable energy and forest products. The mill closed a few years ago. MaineFlame opened a compressed log operation there in 2020.
A public-private program has been supporting redevelopment projects for the next generation of forest products. With the new money, funding now totals $1.2 million.
The Aroostook County town has launched an initiative to generate private investment in structural round timber, a product that is less expensive to produce than other engineered wood products, is environmentally friendly and gaining popularity.
A year-long rebuild followed by restoring the customer and supplier base positioned the company to weather the pandemic with installation of automated machinery that doubled production.
The five communities, all hit hard by the demise of the traditional timber industry, are looking at innovative ways to take advantage of the abundance of timber in the region — as well as former mill sites.
The nonprofit will work to expand jobs, recreation and economic opportunities for the region, and is led by seven business and civic leaders with longstanding ties to the Aroostook County town.
Six Maine economic development organizations and towns will get a total of $296,000 through U.S. Department of Agriculture grants designed to boost job creation in rural areas.