A data center developer has quietly eyed Bucksport’s former mill site
Bucksport, Maine, is considering a temporary data center moratorium after officials learned a developer, Kratos LLC, recently visited the former paper mill site. The proposed ban aims to allow time for updating town regulations regarding data center development, addressing concerns about energy, water, noise, pollution, and health impacts. The initiative faces mixed reception as the town seeks new industry for its tax base.
Bucksport, Maine, is currently debating a temporary moratorium on data center development following the revelation that a developer, Kratos LLC, recently explored the town's former paper mill site. This information was disclosed during a Town Council meeting where the temporary ban was introduced to allow officials time to update local regulations that date back to when such technology did not exist.
The proposed moratorium, which could last up to 180 days, is intended to establish proper guidelines, addressing concerns from councilors like Tracey Hair and Paul Rabs about potential impacts on local energy, water resources, noise levels, pollution, and human health. Council members also noted past instances where investors failed to deliver on promises, making them cautious. The mill site's existing infrastructure, including deep water access and a power plant, makes Bucksport particularly attractive to data center developers.
However, the initiative has met with a mixed reception. While supporters emphasize the need for safeguards, opponents, including councilor Ed Rankin who cast the sole dissenting vote against advancing the ban, fear it could deter much-needed industrial growth and investment, which the town seeks to bolster its tax base after the mill's closure. The town's economic and community development director, Rich Rotella, reportedly confirmed Kratos LLC's visit to a resident, although he did not respond to press inquiries.
The debate highlights Bucksport's balancing act between attracting new industry and protecting community resources. A second reading and public hearing are scheduled before a final vote on the moratorium. Meanwhile, a state task force, formed after Governor Janet Mills vetoed a statewide data center ban, is also studying large-scale data centers and is expected to release a report in January.