SENATORS COLLINS, SNOWE INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO RESTORE THE PENOBSCOT RIVER

              U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the Penobscot River Restoration Act.  This legislation would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out phase two of the Penobscot River Restoration Project.                          The Penobscot River Restoration Project is a five-year, $50 million, project to restore the natural flow of Maine’s largest watershed.   This Project is a partnership of the State of Maine, the U.S. Department of Interior, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Penobscot Indian Nation, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, PPL Corporation, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, American Rivers, Maine Audobon, and Trout Unlimited.  Through collaboration with dam owners, the project will maintain virtually all of the hydroelectric generation on the river through a series of energy enhancements higher up in the Penobscot watershed.                 The Penobscot River Restoration Project consists of two phases.  Phase one consists of raising $25 million in order to purchase two dams on the Penobscot River.  Previously, Senators Snowe and Collins secured $4.5 million in federal funding for this project, and nearly $8 million has been raised privately.  Last week, the Administration announced an additional $10 million request is included in the President’s budget for this phase of the project.                The second phase will require an estimated additional $25 million in order to remove the two dams and bypass a third.  Doing so will open up 100% of the historic habitat for species such as the endangered shortnose sturgeon and greatly improve access to over 1000 miles for endangered Atlantic salmon. The Penobscot River Restoration Act directs the Army Corps of Engineers to remove the two dams and bypass the third, with the federal government picking up 65% of the cost.   “Growing federal support of the Penobscot River Restoration Project and the continued work and dedication of private groups in the state, have brought the completion of this historic project within sight,” Snowe said.  “Through this legislation and the completion of this restoration effort, the Penobscot River will continue to be a fixture of Maine’s economy and culture.”               “The Penobscot River Restoration Project is one of the largest, most creative river restoration projects in our nation’s history,” said Senator Collins.  “Not only will it have far-ranging benefits for endangered species, migratory birds, and a diversity of riverine and estuarine wetlands, but it will also help revive the social, cultural and economic traditions of New England’s second largest river.  I am pleased to introduce legislation today which will authorize the funding necessary to complete this $50 million project.” ###