BUCKSPORT, Maine — Whole Oceans, an aquaculture company that plans to raise Atlantic salmon in Bucksport, announced Tuesday the purchase of a parcel of property on the site of the former Verso paper mill.
"The progress on the Whole Oceans project in Bucksport Maine is exceeding expectations," Whole Oceans president Jason Mitchell said in a statement.
The sale was between American Iron and Metal (AIM), which owns the former paper mill property and Whole Oceans.
Bucksport town manager Sue Lessard tells NEWS CENTER Maine that the town and Whole Oceans have been working together for roughly three years.
"Bucksport wants to be a year round community. And in order to do that, you have to have valuation and jobs that support that," said Lessard.
The former Verso paper mill was closed nearly five years ago. For Lessard, this gives the town an opportunity to grow.
"They're becoming part of our community before even throwing one shovel full of dirt," said Lessard.
Whole Oceans says they will now move forward toward breaking ground for construction. They anticipate to do so later in 2019.
Whole Oceans is one of two proposed salmon farms in Maine.
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"It’s amazing what can be achieved when the community, local government and business collaborate toward common goals. Advances in permitting, site diligence, design and construction planning really highlight the opportunity that this project delivers," added Mitchell in a statement.
Whole Oceans anticipates to add 50 jobs during its first hiring phase. Mitchell hopes to see that number eventually rise to 125.