Dam removal would lower town’s costs

To the Editor;

We had a plan, we had the funds, now we don’t.

Having attended the public hearing on Feb. 4 for the report from the citizen’s committee on the Mayo Mill Dam, I am perplexed and frustrated. This group was formed in response to the town’s no vote in 2024 regarding the selectboard’s recommendation to remove the dam. They requested a review by an engineering firm of their choice, which the town paid roughly $25,000 for. Findings revealed hydro as non-viable, similar to the results of the original committee’s work.

To satisfy FERC, repair the dam, and replace the fish ladder would require millions of dollars to be borrowed by the town, resulting in property tax increases between 7 and 10 percent. To do nothing is not an option. Dam removal would lower the cost as there would be no need for fish passage construction, restoration of the dam, or cost of maintenance. For more information, visit the town website. 

Lisa Laser 

Dover-Foxcroft