Legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) to spur economic development in the city of Old Town, Maine, became law on March 26 with President Donald Trump’s signature.
“Nothing is easy to get done in Washington and I’m extremely pleased that, through hard work, we pushed this across the finish line,” the congressman said.
The Removing Outdated Restrictions to Allow for Job Growth Act, H.R. 1177, which Rep. Poliquin introduced on Feb. 16, 2017, directs the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to end a deed restriction limiting development on a parcel of land adjacent to an airport in Old Town.
“This new law means more jobs and more economic growth for our communities in Maine,” said Rep. Poliquin. “This law is the product of months of hard work and close coordination between town officials and local leaders in Old Town and leadership in the House and Senate.”
The federal government acquired the land in question under the Bankhead Jones Farm Tenant Act of 1937, which allowed the government to repurpose and rehabilitate damaged lands. The land was sold in the 1980s for use by the Old Town Airport, and a deed restriction prohibited other types of development.
Old Town Mayor David Mahan applauded Rep. Poliquin for his efforts to strike the deed restriction and pave the way for new development. “Being able to have this land available at the airport for the city to sell is a huge economic boost,” he said.
“We appreciate our Congressman taking the time to meet with us to understand the issue and then to initiate the necessary legislation,” added Ron Harriman, economic development director for Old Town. “We were pleased with the close contact and many updates received throughout the process. As a result, we expect new business and jobs for the city in the near future.”