Jackson Lab expansion protested in Fla.
The Jackson Laboratory's plans to build a genetic research facility near Naples, Fla., with at least $50 million in state aid has roused the criticism of Florida residents who believe the state should instead support local businesses.
A group of Florida residents protested Tuesday to Collier County commissioners, urging them to "keep the mouse moochers in Maine," according to the Bangor Daily News. The Florida Legislature earlier this year approved $50 million from the state budget to help Bar Harbor-based Jackson Lab build its new facility, and Collier County commissioners are considering using county taxpayer dollars to increase that funding to $130 million, an allocation that would need to be approved by the Legislature.
About 50 protestors from Florida medical devices company Arthrex said the state should invest in area businesses before attracting new companies from out of state, while other protestors said it was a bailout for local land development company Barron Collier, which has agreed to donate 50 acres to The Jackson Lab project, according to the paper.
A spokeswoman for the nonprofit biomedical organization said the protest was not surprising. The Jackson Lab, which employs 1,200 in Bar Harbor, has said the Florida facility would employ approximately 200 people in the next several years.
Go to the article from the Bangor Daily News >>
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments