The major local employer in the area, Katahdin Papers that provided most of the jobs and paid for most of the regions facilities is closing for good Tuesday, unless some last minute deal occurs. This had happened before during a bankruptcy, but during the last owners tenancy, they removed some assets that made it somewhat viable for a future serious owner. There have been attempts to switch the economy over to tourism for many years, but to date beyond a few locals with motels and maybe a couple of restaurant owners, the jobs created have been seasonal with few benefits.
To the average thruhiker, they probably wont see the difference, but when in the area realize that most folks they meet who arent retired are looking at walking away from their homes and having to relocate.