Collinsville Dam Legislation Passes House

Submitted Press Release

WASHINGTON— Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation authored by U.S. Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-05) to help generate clean power on the Farmington River. Murphy’s legislation, the Collinsville Renewable Energy Act, will permit the towns of Canton, Avon, and Burlington to operate two currently-inactive hydropower dams and generate locally-produced power. The dams are expected to produce nearly two megawatts of power, enough to power more than 1,500 homes.  

Murphy and Canton Republican First Selectman Dick Barlow first worked together to pass similar legislation through the House in June 2010. However, the Senate failed to take up the bill later that year, and Murphy and Barlow are now working to renew their efforts.  

“These two dams are already a beloved and long-standing symbol of the Farmington’s Valley’s rich history. With the House’s vote today, we can help make them a symbol of the Valley’s future as well — retrofitting them to provide clean energy to power thousands of Connecticut homes and businesses.” said Murphy.  

The two Collinsville dams (upper and lower) were built in the 18th and 19th centuries to power the Collins Company, which produced axes and closed in the 1960s.  While the dams are now owned by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), licenses to operate the dams must be obtained from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  Federal legislation will provide the town with the right to operate the dams by allowing for the reinstatement of existing (but inactive) FERC licenses.  

The legislation would also require the FERC to solicit additional public comment and new environmental data before taking any action, ensuring that the river’s health and ecology is fully protected.  “The whole Town of Canton and I are appreciative of Chris’ efforts in getting these dams operational again.  Our town, as well as Avon and Burlington, are very excited to be on our way on this important project,” said Canton First Selectman Dick Barlow.  The bill must next be passed by the U.S. Senate and signed by President Obama before the town can take over the licenses. 

Companion legislation has been introduced by Senators Blumenthal and Lieberman.