Much of the state has not enjoyed the economic growth and low unemployment found in Southern Maine. Washington County, particularly, has been left behind.

Two separate proposals hope to breathe life into the struggling Down East region. One would bring a harness racing track and slot machines to the county. The other would allow the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal.

Both ideas have been opposed in other parts of the state and there’s plenty of homegrown opposition in Washington County, too. If the projects are carried out properly, taking into account the concerns of neighbors and environmentalists, they shouldn’t be big-footed by the rest of the state.

The idea to build a racino in Washington County faces opposition from the same anti-gambling coalition that opposed a casino in Southern Maine and the addition of slot machines at the racetrack in Bangor. Many of the group’s dire predictions have come true. The project is bigger than it was portrayed during the referendum campaign, which eventually led to the authorization of the slot machines. It’s branched out from the track location and the proprietors have tried to game the law to their advantage by restricting the amount of information accessible to the public.

Nonetheless, voters approved the project and Gov. Baldacci and the Legislature have worked hard to ensure there are proper restraints and checks. It seems contradictory, now, to argue that statewide voters disapprove of slots at racetracks. If a Down East community accepts the plan, then it should be allowed.

Gambling, and especially slot machines, often target residents who can least afford it. There are plenty of such folks in Washington County, but if a track is OK in Bangor, then it should be up to individual communities to decide if it’s OK for them. The only way to stop it would be a referendum campaign aimed at repealing voters’ authorization.

LNG terminals are controversial for different reasons. They can provide good jobs and can be a boon for local economies and taxpayers. Last week, Passamaquoddy leaders agreed to a deal to allow an LNG terminal on tribal land at Split Rock. The $400 million facility would earn the tribe $8 million a year and eventually create between 70 and 100 jobs.

Neighbors of the project are upset, and environmentalists fear the repercussions of the development. It’s up to Quoddy Bay LLC, the terminal’s developer, to put their fears to rest and for the state to monitor the process to ensure high environmental and safety standards are met.

Liquefied natural gas is a clean-burning alternative to coal and oil. There are only four LNG terminals in the United States, although several others are under consideration. It is possible to balance the needs of the terminal’s developers with the community’s desire to hang onto its way of life and traditions.

Gov. Baldacci strongly opposes the expansion of gambling into Washington County and has threatened to veto any bill that would allow it. He says it doesn’t fit into his vision for development for the area. He supports the idea of an LNG terminal as long as local input is given appropriate consideration.

Under other circumstances and in other places, either the racino or LNG proposals would be a mistake. As it stands, they look like two opportunities that could help the residents of Washington County with good jobs.