 Timeline
The Penobscot River Restoration Project will happen gradually over several years, and involves changes in energy operations and re-licensing requirements, outreach to communities within the project area and to the public in general, planning for economic and community development activities related to the river's restoration, and private and public fundraising: - During Phase 1 of the project, PPL Corporation applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for energy increases at West Enfield, Medway and Stillwater hydroelectric dams. These energy enhancements have been approved, resulting in the addition of 10,000 MW-hours of annual generation.
- PPL Corporation also began to address impacts of energy operations on tribal lands.
- Following the signing of the final agreement on June 25th, 2004, the Penobscot River Restoration Trust (Penobscot Trust) has a 3-5 year option period during which time the dams must be purchased. The Penobscot Trust and partners reached significant milestones in late 2007 by raising the $25 million needed to purchase the Veazie, Great Works and Howland Dams. The Penobscot Trust will continue to work with partners to raise the subsequent funding to implement the removals, alterations, mitigation and economic development elements of the project. The preliminary estimate for project implementation, including dam removal and modifications, economic development and mitigation, is approximately $30 million.
- With FERC's approval, the re-licensing of the Howland and Great Works dams has been put on hold for five years to provide the opportunity for successful implementation of the project.
- Preliminary engineering work for removal of the Veazie and Great Works Dams and for the Howland bypass option is underway.
- The filing of the agreement with FERC also signifies the beginning of the federal and state regulatory process for the project, during which the public will have multiple opportunities to comment. The Penobscot Trust held formal public scoping sessions in December of 2007 as part of this process. Since the project was first announced, the Penobscot Trust and partners have participated in well over a hundred presentations, community meetings, and public events within the project area and statewide.
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