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Committee authorizes option agreement to convey part of state land in East Millinocket
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to report LD 2139 'ought to pass,' authorizing DAFS to enter an option agreement with the town of East Millinocket to convey a portion of state property abutting the Dolby Landfill. DAFS said a survey is underway to identify parcels; the state will retain land needed to monitor landfills.
The State and Local Government Committee on Feb. 11, 2026, unanimously recommended LD 2139, a resolve authorizing the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services to enter an option agreement with the town of East Millinocket to purchase all or part of state land surrounding the Dolby Landfill.
Analysts told the committee the authority in a prior resolve (LD 744, enacted 2019 chapter 76) expired in 2024 and that the current resolve updates the mechanism to allow an option agreement while a survey is completed to subdivide the approximately 3,384‑acre parcel. Deputy Commissioner Anya Trundy (DAFS) told members the department intends to retain land necessary for long‑term monitoring and maintenance of the three Dolby landfill sites and that landfills themselves are not part of the conveyance.
Town plans and appraisal: Mike Michie, who has worked on economic development in the area, told the committee the town’s priority is economic development and additional housing; local businesses have expressed interest. DAFS said the sale would be at fair market value and that the town’s financial ability to purchase will be a primary constraint. An appraisal will establish per‑acre values for residential, commercial and industrial portions.
Environmental monitoring and liability: Trundy emphasized that the state will continue to monitor landfill wells and maintain long‑term liability for remediation where required. Members requested maps and survey results; the department said the parcel survey is underway but unlikely to be complete before the legislative session ends.
Committee action: Representative Salisbury moved 'ought to pass' and, after discussion, the committee voted unanimously with 11 members present. The committee requested DAFS provide maps and follow‑up clarifications during language review, particularly about differences from LD 744 (right of first refusal vs. option agreement) and about any permissions related to personal property or boundary settlements.
Next steps: Language review and the pending OFPR fiscal note will follow; the department will provide the survey and maps when available.
