About the Project
Why does the Home to Katahdin Project exist?
If you are from the Katahdin Region of Maine, you know that over the past 20 years, the area has been struggling with the downturn of the paper industry.
In 2003, the bankruptcy of Great Northern Paper Inc. and the purchase of the mill by Brascan Corporation resulted in lay offs that finally took the employment level at the mill from 4,600 in 1986 down to approximately 600 now.
In addition, out-migration has become a serious issue. Over the past 20 years, the area has lost 38% of its population. Just over the past five years, our public school enrollment has declined more than 25% (Superintendent Sarah Albert report January 2006). A large number of young adults and families have left the area to find work elsewhere causing an even greater strain on local businesses, education, health care and municipal services. It is critically important to this region that we step up our economic development efforts. We have an educated workforce ready and willing to assist new businesses and we have even more former residents wanting to return to a good job and their families.
The Home to Katahdin Project is funded by a grant from the federal Department of Labor and managed through the Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council (MAGIC). The role of this project is to assist the Katahdin Region in researching its out-migration issues and increase the population base to help stabilize the local economy.
Contributions
If you would like to contribute to the future of the area or make a donation to any particular organization, please contact us about making a gift and we will send you a brochure about the Katahdin Fund. This fund is maintained by the Maine Development Foundation for this region.
You can make a tax deductible donation by sending a check payable to:
The Katahdin Fund
c/o Maine Community Foundation
245 Maine St.
Ellsworth, ME 04605
1-877-700-6800