LISBON – A new statewide economic development law could benefit Lisbon.

Economic and Community Development Director Dan Feeney explained to selectmen this week that the town is within the Androscoggin Valley Pine Tree Zone, which includes Lewiston, Auburn, and several other communities “under the auspices” of other agencies in the Western Mountain region.

Gov. John Baldacci developed the initiative of allowing areas within the state to combine their forces and develop commercial and industrial areas, known as Pine Tree Zones.

Feeney said he is working with the entire region to develop an application for designating certain areas of individual communities as part of the zone itself. Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments has been designated as the lead agency for preparation of the application. Feeney is president of AVCOG’s executive committee.

“We are in the process of identifying the actual parcels that are to be considered,” Feeney said, and “Lisbon could have two: the Maine Electronics land consisting of 190 acres, and the Dingley Press acquisition of 167 acres for a combined total of 257 acres.”

Currently, he said, no more than 20 parcels and not more than 5,000 combined acres will be allowed in any one of six zones statewide.

“As it appears from the workshops I’ve participated in there could be more than 20 parcels identified, but it is unlikely the 5000-acre threshold will met.”

The group is in the process of identifying the actual parcels to be considered.

For Lisbon, there are “a couple issues that will need to be addressed relatively soon,” Feeney stressed. The town will need to adopt the concept of the Pine Tree Zones at a town meeting, probably in May, and the land, which is designated as a Pine Tree Zone, will need the owners permission in order to “formally” be included, something Feeney is working on.

“There is an enormous benefit for the companies who build in the zones,” he said. They would get a 10-year reduction in sales tax on certain purchases, some at 100 percent. They would also be eligible for E-TIF tax breaks and other incentives.

“I feel the advantages for the community are the attraction of new types of businesses and the continuation of having a diverse workforce,” Feeney said. “We need to have all the tools that are available to continue to attract good employers and good-paying jobs to the area.”

Feeney proposed that the town look into the creation of a “quasi-municipal/public partnership.”

His proposal included building a 10,000-square-foot spec building, setting up a development corporation, using the revolving loan program, and using Capital Avenue land as a match toward meeting any funding requirement.

His ambitious proposal also included developing future projects using the profits from the sale of the first building as “initial capitalization.”