CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Endless Energy Corporation of Yarmouth is back in the news with a new proposal for the consideration of the state legislature and the residents of Carrabassett Valley.

Members of EEC met with residents Monday, Jan. 5 at the Outdoor Center to discuss the details of the latest idea, part of a plan that has been in the making for decades.

A plan for a 90-watt wind farm was denied by Land Use Regulation Commissioners after staff approval, a similar plan is now still alive in the Western Mountains with a new audience.

According to a "Concept and Benefits" plan for a "Sugarloaf Community Wind Farm" EEC has recently presented the selectmen in town with the new task presented by president Harley Lee's desire to bring this long-term project to fruition.

Under what's considered a proposed Community Wind Farm, a public statement reads, "EEC is proposing a communitybased wind farm in which more of the benefits of a wind farm will go to the local community. Under this structure, customers actually provide the capital for the project and benefit from much lower and stable-priced energy costs."

Endless Energy Corporation is proposing that Carrabassett Valley annex approximately 10,000 acres in the upper half of Redington Township. This land, the statement says, is owned by Redington Mountain Windpower LLC, an EEC affiliate, and by Dallas Company, a timber company. The annexation would not include land owned by the U.S. Navy used for its SERE school.

"Procedurally," an announcement by town officials states, "annexation of Redington Township by the town would require a favorable vote of the State Legislature to then allow a vote by Town of Carrabassett Valley voters."

The board of selectmen has stated that they are not making recommendations regarding the merits or faults of this proposal. However, they feel that due to the potential benefits to the community and surrounding area this proposal should be brought before the citizens of the town (and surrounding communities) for further discussion.

This annexation, according to an EEC Concept and Benefit Plan, could benefit Carrabassett Valley in several ways:

The plan says that it would provide significantly reduced electricity cost for pre-paid locals by as much as 50 percent. However they note that the savings would likely result in a 33 percent savings due to projected transmission costs.

The statement also includes offers to Boyne's Sugarloaf and Sunday River operations and suggests a $40 million savings over the life of the contract.

Also the statement includes a reduction in property taxes stating that $140 million can be added to the town's tax base. This, as identified by EEC staff, could reduce the town's tax rate from 6.2 mils to 4.9 mils in the first year — a 21 percent decrease. "Alternatively, some of these savings could be applied to other important uses such as education," the statement reads.

According to the statement for town consideration, "Carrabassett Valley is a resort town that uses large amounts of energy. This project can generate prodigious amounts of clean power to run the town while reducing its environmental impacts."

The statement says that Carrabassett Valley can become a showcase of renewable energy. Wind farms often become tourist attractions and will give visitors one more activity to enjoy in the region.

EEC also states that annexation would put more of the Hut and Trail System under town control and might simplify permitting for that section of the trail as well as an additional hut planned near EEC's wind farm. "EEC has already granted an easement for the trail to cross its lands and looks forward to other joint actions."

EEC reminds residents that a positive vote of the selectmen will not mean the annexation is final. It will only continue the process to see if the legislature approves and the ultimately control of the town voters to approves of such a project.