"Renewable energy is proven technology, the price is dropping, the rest of the world is going that way, that's where our investment should be going as well."
Governor Celebrates Penobscot River Restoration Milestone
OLD TOWN - Governor John E. Baldacci today joined members of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust and federal and local dignitaries to celebrate the Trust exercising an option to purchase three dams in the Penobscot River. The dams are being purchased from PPL Corporation and will improve access for Atlantic salmon and 10 other species of sea-run fish.
"This vision to create a balance on the river between economic, recreational and Native American interests was both innovative and ambitious, and I have followed this project closely," Governor Baldacci said. "This is a remarkable model for how Maine can maintain important hydropower generation on our rivers while taking the steps needed to restore our native sea-run fisheries."
The three dams being purchased are the Veazie, Great Works and Howland dams. The Trust plans to remove the two dams closest to the sea - Veazie and Great Works - and construct a bypass around the Howland Dam. To compensate for the loss of hydropower at the three decommissioned hydroelectric dams, six other dams owned by PPL Maine will see energy increases.
"Today, the Penobscot is producing more power than ever before," the Governor said. "Just down the road in Orono, PPL Maine is rebuilding the Orono Dam as part of this project's innovative approach to maintaining energy production. In the end, the company will maintain virtually all of their current capacity."
The partners involved in the project raised $25 million from a variety of public and private sources to purchase the three dams. Governor Baldacci said that he is happy to see phase one of the Penobscot River Restoration Project come to fruition, and looks forward to phase two.
"In 2004, I pledged to seek State support for this project and for communities living along the river. In 2006, I introduced a $5 million Riverfront Community Development Bond in Maine," Governor Baldacci said. "I am pleased to say the Legislature and voters of Maine embraced this first-of-its-kind bond that will assist communities along rivers like the Penobscot to revitalize their riverfronts."
Source: Maine Government News
International Display Developer to Expand Its Southern Indiana Operations
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. - Retail display designer and manufacturer idX announced plans today to expand its production and distribution operations here, creating more than 150 new jobs in the next three years.
The St. Louis-headquartered company, which provides retail, hospitality and ....
Since the 1990s, wind power growth has exploded/expanded globally. Why? Because wind power is one of the most clean and naturally recurring sources of electricity. That makes it 'renewable' and 'sustainable'!
