Land sale for potential $500M salmon farm subject of Belfast meeting

A potential half billion dollar investment the subject of a Belfast meeting Thursday night.

The Belfast Water District has agreed to sell 40 acres of land to Nordic Aquafarms that the company would build a salmon farm on.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission required the water district to hold the meeting on the proposed sale of the land so that the public could weigh in.

Officials say it's what they feel is best.

"We understand there's some sentimental value with the property where we are now to a lot of people," said Keith Pooler, Belfast Water District Superintendent . "But, in the whole scope of it to help the district be able to better themselves, be able to better the infrastructure and not greatly increase the rates to the ratepayers the board all agreed this is the best thing for the customers."

He says that Nordic is currently investigating the land to ensure it's suitable for all their needs. The city and the company signed the agreement and hope to have it all completed before January of next year.