by Andrew Scheinthal
FOX Bangor news story
EDDINGTON – History was made Monday morning as the destruction of a historic landmark began on the Penobscot River.
“Today is the beginning of the Penobscot River flowing freely at Veazie for the first time in about 200 years,” says Laura Rose Day, Executive Director of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust.
Hundreds of people gathering on the banks of the Penobscot River Monday morning to witness history. “We wanted to show our kids that groups can come together and make stuff like this happen” Says Sarah Krizo who came up from Belgrade.
The Veazie Dam removal is all part of the Penobscot River Restoration Project. The goal; to restore this mighty river back to as much of its natural self as possible.
“A fish will swim from Greenland, 2,000 miles, and run into this dam. That will no longer be true, very soon,” says Rose Day.
“We’ve got a real shot of sustaining the wild run of Atlantic Salmon in the Penobscot River,” says, Bill Taylor, President of the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
The overall project will cost 60 million dollars, funds coming from both the private sector and the public, but organizers believe that money will be made back in the years to come.
“There’s an economic boom for sure, and spin off economically, so hopefully more jobs and a little more money for the area” Says Taylor. Roseday adds, “The project has done very well bringing those funds back to Maine, so we can rebuild our economy.”
The Penobscot Nation celebrating the natural resources that will be brought back to the state in the years to come. The project is a massive one, with a number companies and organizations working together.
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work, collaboration, and determination.” Says, Representative Mike Michaud.
