FPLE, Dragon Suspend Talks Over Purchase of Mason Station

Not Due to Local Group Opposing Terminal

SEPT. 22, 2003 ö Negotiations over the possible purchase of the ÒMason StationÓ property in Wiscasset between Dragon Cement and Concrete and FPLE were put on hold late last week after the two companies reached an impasse over terms and conditions of the purchase. Dragon officials would not say more as to why the talks broke down, but did say a local group opposing the project was not a factor.

ÒBasically, we are at an impasse, so as a result, we will not be submitting our application to the Wiscasset Planning Board tonight,Ó said Terry Veysey, the vice president at Dragon who has been negotiating with the power company that currently owns the property.

ÒWhile we are disappointed, naturally, we also have other options which we will continue to pursue,Ó added Veysey. ÒWiscasset is a great location and the support of the Town and the economic development office has been great.Ó

Veysey said the company would consider Wiscasset again in the future if the talks resume. He also the Wiscasset group opposing the marine terminal project in recent weeks has been working with incorrect information.

"Although at this point we may not be setting up a terminal in Wiscasset, we still feel itÕs important to set the record straight about our proposal, as there has been so much misinformation out there about it,Ó Veysey added.

ÒOur rail to barge operation would not create or produce dust, and noise is not an issue since all machinery used to transport the cement onto our barge would be enclosed. We would work with fishermen to disclose our barge schedule, and we would do all this within existing town ordinances and regulations. We would also make improvements to the property, and work with the Town on any other issues that come up. It really is a low-key operation, since it is just the transferring of cement from the train to the silo or the barge. No production or other operations would occur on the site, which would be used mostly for its pier.Ó

Veysey said Dragon is a good company to work with and has a solid history in Maine, with 230 employees statewide. The company has been recognized by state government and other organizations for its environmental and safety records.

Headquartered in Portland, Dragon Cement and ConcreteÕs plant in Thomaston is New EnglandÕs only cement plant. The company also has eleven ready-mix concrete plants throughout the state and is known for supplying either cement or concrete to a number of major building projects in the area, including the Casco Bay Bridge, the Bath Iron Works expansion, the Big Dig in Boston, the Maine Turnpike expansion, the Portland Jetport expansion and the new Kennebec River bridges in Fairfield. Dragon also supplies cement or concrete to paper mills, dams, homes, schools and commercial developments. For additional information on the company, visit its website at www.dragonproducts.com.