Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

event of outages.” This advanced infrastructure has attracted many who work remotely, drawn to both the technological capabilities and the inviting community. The second feature Weibley emphasizes is the extensive recreational facilities.“The city has invested millions in the Sergeant Family Community Center and unparalleled trail systems,” he notes.These trails, catering to summer and winter activities, have put Presque Isle on the map for outdoor enthusiasts. “Whether it’s biking, walking, snowmobiling, or ATV trails, our recreational offerings are second to none.” Powers emphasizes Presque Isle’s natural beauty and resources, noting its proximity to Aroostook State Park, Maine’s oldest state park, and access to outdoor activities. He mentions the availability of several lakes, the state’s largest snowmobile club within a five-mile radius, and a trail network extending to Quebec City. INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOUSING: BUILDING THE FUTURE Presque Isle is evolving in terms of its economy and community activities and through significant strides in infrastructure and housing. Powers and Weibley shed light on these vital aspects, illustrating the city’s dedication to sustainable growth and development. Powers discusses the recent advancements in the industrial park’s infrastructure.“We’re lucky to have a relatively new system for electrical, water, and sewer,” he remarks. These updates, primarily completed in the last decade, have positioned the industrial park as a modern and efficient space. He suggests that industrial parks should be evaluated based on tenant numbers rather than just acreage, emphasizing the park’s high occupancy and potential for expansion. The recent addition of F.W.Webb, a $6 million project, demonstrates the park’s ability to meet substantial water requirements for fire suppression, showcasing the city’s advanced infrastructure capabilities. Weibley discusses Presque Isle’s infrastructure, including its capacity to handle 10 million gallons of wastewater daily and 3 million gallons of water storage. The city also expands its 51.5-mile gigabit fiber internet network. On housing, he notes a surge 188 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01