February 13, 2007
The Bush Administration is requesting $10 million dollars from Congress to restore the once-abundant sea-run fisheries of Maine’s Penobscot River, the second largest river in the Northeast. Federal support for the project will help ensure improved access to nearly 1,000 miles of habitat for endangered Atlantic salmon. Habitat access for other fish species will also be greatly improved.

The FY2008 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) budget provides $10 million for the Penobscot River Restoration Project, including $8 million for dam acquisition and $2 million to NOAA’s Office of Habitat for technical assistance, pre- and post-removal studies, and engineering.

Project partners include NOAA, the Department of the Interior, dam owner PPL Corporation, the Penobscot Indian Nation, the state of Maine, American Rivers, Atlantic Salmon Federation, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Maine Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited and the Penobscot River Restoration Trust.

“This is perhaps the most important fresh-water restoration project underway in North America,” said Michael Tetreault, executive director of the Conservancy’s Maine chapter. “The benefits of the project are far-reaching for species including federally endangered shortnose sturgeon, Atlantic sturgeon, river herring, striped bass, tomcod, rainbow smelt and Atlantic salmon. In this region where culture, tradition, business, and recreation all depend on a thriving Penobscot, the benefits to people will be tremendous.”  

“For more than 10,000 years, the Penobscot River has been the heart of our homeland,” said Penobscot Indian Nation Chief Kirk Francis. “Our identity as a tribe is deeply intertwined with the health of the river. The river’s restoration is critical to our cultural survival. We commend the administration for its support for this and we express our appreciation to the Maine Congressional Delegation who have been so supportive and encouraged the Administration to continue funding this project."

The state of Maine has committed to seek $3-5 million to help communities in the region reap many anticipated benefits of the restored river.

The not-for-profit Penobscot River Restoration Trust holds an option to purchase the dams for approximately $25 million and is actively seeking acquisition funds from a combination of public and private sources. Over $7.5 million has been raised from private sources. Maine’s Congressional Delegation has been instrumental in securing more than $4.5 million dollars in federal funds to date. Additional support has come from a wide array of supporters, including the state of Maine, tribes, businesses, and local, state and national organizations.

"NOAA's commitment to this project is great news for the Penobscot River," stated Maine Governor John Baldacci. "The benefits of this landmark conservation project to the State of Maine are far reaching. It proves that we can balance fisheries conservation with our need of hydropower."

Nature picture credits: Photo © Suzanne Telfeian/TNC