PRENTISS TOWNSHIP, Maine (AP) — An American Indian tribe is hoping that sweet success with a maple syrup operation in the woods of Maine will help to counter soaring joblessness and poverty.

The Passamaquoddy tribe has big plans for the operation that's starting up with nearly 3,000 taps. The tribe intends to expand over the next three years to 60,000 taps. There's room for even more, if the tribe chooses to expand.

Indian Township Chief Joseph Socobasin says the goal is to create jobs, but it's not the only opportunity the tribe is pursuing.

It's negotiating with investors to build a bottled water plant on tribal land and has plans for a wind power project. The tribe also hopes to someday win approval for a casino.

(Story by: David Sharp, The Associated Press)

 

More From WIBX 950