[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 44 (Monday, March 16, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S1527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING THE WELLS RESERVE AND LAUDHOLM TRUST

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate the Wells 
National Estuarine Research Reserve and Laudholm Trust on the 
completion of the final stage of their solar energy project. On March 
20, 2015, they will officially finish the project and be 100 percent 
energy self-sufficient. They are the first nonprofit organization in 
Maine to reach this milestone.
  The solar array project represents only the most recent environmental 
conservation landmark on the Wells Reserve. In fact, the land on which 
the Wells Reserve sits has been a key link between the community and 
the environment for not just decades but centuries. It was settled for 
farming in 1643 and was the largest saltwater farm in York County at 
one time, shipping its products to Boston weekly. By 1978, the farm was 
derelict, but devoted community members decided to join together to 
revitalize it. Laudholm Trust was soon born from that initiative. 
Officially established in 1982, the Laudholm Trust has been a vital 
supporter of stewardship, research, and education efforts surrounding 
Maine's coastal communities, enabling the success of the Wells Reserve. 
Due in part to the Trust's efforts, the 2,250 acres of farmland were 
designated a National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1984.
  The solar array project is an outstanding example of what can be 
accomplished when stakeholders at all levels work together. The 
$200,000 in funding to purchase the solar panels was made possible by 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, NOAA, the Mattina R. 
Proctor Foundation, the Davis Conservation Foundation, the Town of 
Wells, Efficiency Maine, and, of course, Wells Reserve and Laudholm 
members. A Maine company, Revision Energy of Portland, ME, installed 
the array. Through the hard work of this community, the project was 
completed a full two years ahead of schedule. For such a significant 
project to be finished years ahead of schedule proves the dedication of 
the organizations and individuals involved with completing this 
venture.
  The local initiative and collaboration demonstrated on the Wells 
Reserve for this project represents the very best of Maine community 
moxie. On the occasion of the completion of the Wells Reserve and 
Laudholm Trust solar array, I extend my congratulations to the two 
leading organizations and all those involved in making the project 
possible.

                          ____________________