Presque Isle Breaks Ground on $6M JFK Aerospace Research Park

Presque Isle, Maine, has officially taken its first major step toward becoming a hub for the commercial space industry with the groundbreaking of the John F. Kennedy Aerospace Research Park. The $6 million project, located on 72 acres along the Presque Isle International Airport runway, is set to attract aerospace investment, create high-tech jobs, and cement Maine’s place in the new space economy.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on August 8, featured city and state leaders, business executives, and around 50 community members. The event opened with the familiar notes of iconic science-fiction theme music — a symbolic nod to the space ambitions driving the project.

Boosting Maine’s Space Economy

‍"[This] really marks the effort to bring the new space economy to our great state," said Alan Lambert, Maine Department of Transportation’s director of aviation. Lambert emphasized that this initiative could contribute over $1 billion to Maine’s GDP by attracting cutting-edge aerospace businesses to the region.

The anchor tenant will be VALT Enterprizes, a local aerospace manufacturer specializing in hypersonic delivery systems for suborbital and orbital missions. Since 2021, VALT has operated from the airport’s general aviation area and has already demonstrated that northern Maine can successfully host advanced aerospace operations.

"It's very important to us to get this groundbreaking off," said Karl Hoose, president of VALT. "We're going to be the first anchor tenant."

Funding and Job Creation

‍The park’s $6 million budget includes a $4.5 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant awarded in 2022, along with $1.1 million in local matching funds. EDA officials estimate that the project could create or retain up to 140 jobs, bringing high-value employment to Aroostook County.

Presque Isle International Airport Director Scott Wardwell highlighted the careful planning that has gone into the project.
"One of the things that we want to make sure of is that we use the funds … in the best way possible," Wardwell said. "One of the ways to do that is to have a sound plan — [one] that everybody is familiar with and can see the direction that we're going."

Engineering bids are now being solicited, and once construction is complete, VALT will move into a custom-built facility designed to expand its research and manufacturing capabilities. Additional buildings will be available for future tenants, potentially bringing in multiple aerospace and tech companies.

Honoring Space Pioneers

‍The research park’s name honors President John F. Kennedy, whose leadership during the space race inspired generations. Kennedy visited Presque Isle during his 1960 presidential campaign, forging a unique bond with the community.

"He … led the nation through a critical period during which Presque Isle played a very critical role," said Kim Smith, the city’s public information officer and secretary of the Presque Isle Air Museum. "In coming here and recognizing the importance of Presque Isle in the defense of the country, he really forged a direct connection with the community."

Two new roads in the park will also honor notable space figures:

• James McEachern Drive — McEachern, a Presque Isle native, served as chief flight test engineer for numerous record-breaking aircraft, including the B36 and B58.
• Gus Grissom Street — Grissom, a former U.S. Air Force pilot stationed at Presque Isle Air Force Base, later became the second American in space and died tragically during the Apollo 1 pre-launch test in 1967.

"Naming this street after [Grissom] not only honors his service and sacrifice but also creates a lasting reminder of the human courage and commitment that have shaped this nation's journey into space," Smith said.

A Vision for the Future

‍With construction underway, Presque Isle is positioning itself to become a strategic player in the fast-growing $546 billion global space economy. The JFK Aerospace Research Park aims to provide the infrastructure and resources needed for companies developing space technologies, from satellite launch systems to advanced aerospace materials.

Local officials believe the project will not only generate jobs but also inspire students and young professionals to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Combined with Presque Isle’s history of aviation and space connections, the park could make northern Maine an unexpected but important space industry destination.

Originally reported by Construction Equipment Guide.