Live Lobster tries for federal grant again



PROSPECT HARBOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Massachusetts-based company, Live Lobster, hasn't had an easy time in its attempts to re-open the former Stinson Cannery in Prospect Harbor.

But a meeting Thursday night may be a step in the right direction.

In August, the town's selectmen decided not to give initial support for a grant application. The selectmen are still concerned the money won't go toward processing the meat, but selling live lobsters, causing the company to be in direct competition with local lobstermen.

If Live Lobster gets the grant, the town would control how the money is used.

Town selectmen decided to sign a letter of intent to get the ball rolling for funding, but still have concerns and want to see a formal business plan. President of Live Lobster Antonio Bussone said although the grant will help, the company will move forward with the project.

"It will enable us to purchase more equipment," he said. "If we get more equipment, we can hire more people and process more lobsters. So the more money we get, the more capacity we'll have in the plant."

Last month, Live Lobster was supposed to close on a deal, securing the former cannery property, but that was delayed. According to Bussone, the company plans to close on the property within two weeks