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Economic Development

Mission Statement

To plan for the Town's current and future economic development in a manner that balances community growth and local needs.

Tannery Site Lot For Sale

Last June the voter's in Howland directed the Board of Selectmen to draft and execute the sale of a lot on the tannery through a purchase and sale agreement. The Select Board, along with the Economic Development Committee and the Planning Board over the past several months have identified uses and boundaries and have ultimately identified the lot to be sold and the asking price.

The lot to be sold will be bordered by the walking trails, the recreational vehicle trail, the Veteran's Memorial Park and a separate lot identified for future town development. Assisted by the LaBranche Land Surveys the lot size for sale has been set at 4.0 acres and is being advertised for commercial use.

Interested developers can obtain additional information by contacting the Town Office at (207) 732-3513.

Click on the image below to view a larger image of the available lot.

Town Votes for a Tax Increment Financing Program

The voters in Howland voted to approve a Tax Increment Financing Program, or TIF, at the June referendum. Pending approval from the State of Maine the TIF would mean potential incentives for new and existing business, as well as the benefits from a TIF to the town and taxpayers.The voters approved an Omnibus TIF, which means that any TIF negotiations can be negotiated and approved by the Board of Selectmen which saves time and money on special elections, however one condition is that any TIF application must come before the people in a Public Hearing.

This is a huge step forward in the development of new business and to enhance our existing businesses as well as another step towards positive Economic Development for Howland.

For more information on the TIF program or Howland's TIF specifically to include the geographics of the TIF District, come to an Economic Development meeting or contact a Committee member or the town office.

Channel 7 Runs Story on Tannery Redevelopment

Channel 7 Story on Tannery

Recreational Vehicle Trail Now Open

With the opening of Town maintained roads to recreational vehicle traffic (excluding all State roads) the Town has opened the trail beginning from behind the Penobscot Credit Union, adjacent to the walking trails where riders from Water Street and River Road can access and cross the tannery site to the Veteran's Memorial Park. There is a designated 'rest area' on the tannery with a view of the two rivers and where people can trailer their ATV's, park and load/unload.  You can also access the Handy Stop from the new trail. The Corner Store, which has ethanol-free gasoline now also lies along the trail system on Water Street.

The Town asks that riders be respectful and keep the ATV's off the walking trail and be respectful of the Veteran's Memorial Park. Please watch and give right-of-way to all pedestrian traffic that may be on or along the trail system.

The new trail system will have a goal of enhancing our Economic Development by allowing increased access to not only the scenic vistas of the area but also to our local businesses!

Please keep in mind that any State owned or maintained roads that haven't received the State's permission for use in Howland are off-limits to ATV traffic to include: LaGrange Road, Coffin Street, Bridge Street and the Rotary. Please also keep in mind and be mindful of the laws pertaining to ATV use (Title 12, M.R.S.A., ss 13157-A). A copy of our local ATV Ordinance is available on our website in the Ordinance/Policies section under Government.

Enjoy the trails!

State Representative Visits Howland

Jared Golden serving as the U.S.Representative for Maine 2nd congressional district stopped by the new municipal building to listen to concerns regarding high speed internet, poor cell phone coverage in our area and the growing concern regarding the national shortage of people pursuing careers in the fire/ems field. Mr Golden provided some great ideas and possible solutions regarding our concerns. Mr Golden also mentioned that the Federal Government will be voting on the congressional funding request that we are pursuing to fund 2/3rds of the new municipal building later this year.

Howland Is On The Move

Howland is on the move and open for business. Located just 30 miles North of Bangor on I95 and considered the gateway to Maine outdoor adventure. The town center is where two major river systems connect with ATV and snowmobile trails. The Penobscot and Piscataquis Rivers have some of the best fishing in the world. Outdoor enthusiast travel from all over fish and boat the rivers. Howland’s popularity can be attributed to many factors including our business-friendly reputation, quality school system, affordable housing.

Howland offers the simple pleasures of small town living but minutes from Bangor. Howland is on the move with a new bridge built that spans across the Piscataquis River and another bridge under construction crossing the Penobscot River. These bridge systems have wide sidewalks to support ATV and snowmobilers crossing over to the trail systems that go through the center of town. The former Tannery site has been cleaned up and is ready for economic, municipal and commercial uses.

Our location, convenience, and easy access make Howland an easy choice. For more information contact David Wilson, Town Manager (207) 732-4112.

Fish Bypass Construction