NH Dam Removal Project Receives National Stimulus Funding
Winnicut River Dam Removal Project to Receive $500,000
Concord NH - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that the NH Coastal Program at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services will receive $500,000 in stimulus funding for the Winnicut River Dam Removal Project in Greenland. This project was one of 50 proposals selected out of a national pool of 814 proposals to receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Stimulus funds. NOAA was provided $167 million for marine and coastal habitat restoration under the ARRA.
The NH Coastal Program project will remove the Winnicut River Dam and install a fish passage structure under an upstream bridge, reopening passage to more than 39 miles of habitat for migratory fish like herring, smelt, and American eel. In addition to restoring river ecology, the project creates jobs for construction workers as well as engineering and scientific consultants.
“Once restored the Winnicut will be the only coastal river in New Hampshire to have adequate upstream and downstream passage for migratory fish. This project will benefit not only the environment, but will also create jobs, demonstrating that sustainability and economic stimulus can occur simultaneously,” said Coastal Program Restoration Coordinator Kevin Lucey.
According to a NOAA press release, the project selection criteria included ecological need, “shovel readiness” and the ability to generate the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and the creation of lasting value for the American public.
The Winnicut River Dam is owned by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Additional funding entities for this project include: NH Fish and Game Department, NH Charitable Foundation, NH Mooseplate Grant Program, Coastal Conservation Association, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services.
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