BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 14, 2024
State transportation officials on Tuesday night held the first of what they say will be a series of public meetings about the controversial wind energy development port they’re working to develop on Sears Island. The total cost of the project is estimated at $760 million over the course of its development, which is higher than was originally planned. The construction phase of the project is expected to start no later than the end of 2026. Permits to commence construction must be obtained by that point. The construction is expected to generate 1,300 jobs, while operating the port would require an estimated 350 workers. Opponents of the project and activists hoping to preserve Sears Island are still not sold on the idea of transforming it into a wind port.