The Issues
Saving Tax Dollars—Maintenance & Rebuilding Costs
Cost to implement and maintain over 50 years…
$4.6 million
Full Dam Removal
$6.5 million
Dam Restoration
The estimates shown here include all of the work that will need to be done for the proposed work— covering the areas from the dam to the American Boathouse—to accommodate sea level rise as well as river flows. This includes seawall removal or repair, along the river and along the toe of Harbor Park.
What is the initial capital cost to Camden taxpayers of removing Montgomery Dam and repairing the seawall?
Zero
The projected cost of removing Montgomery Dam and reconstructing the seawall at the foot of Harbor Park is $3.6 million. In accordance with the Warrant Article, NONE of this will be borne by the Camden taxpayers.
The cost of Montgomery Dam restoration and repairing the seawall is $3.3 million.
ALL of this would be borne by the Camden taxpayers.
Federal, State of Maine and private non-profits that have collaborated in fish restoration in rivers previously dammed during Maine’s industrial past have secured large grants to restore sea run fish species such as Atlantic salmon, book trout, alewives and other species to Maine rivers. These groups have targeted the removal of Montgomery Dam as a high priority project for a collaborative funding plan.
Will Montgomery Dam removal result in lower maintenance and capital investment costs?
Yes
The Interfluve Megunticook River Feasibility Study notes that the full dam removal of Montgomery Dam will result in the lowest lifespan costs in terms of capital investment and maintenance and operations.
Complete removal of the dam will cost an estimated $3.6 million in initial capital cost and $1.1 million in 50-years of maintenance, while restoration of the dam is an estimated $3.3 in capital cost and $3.2 over 50-years of maintenance.
Additionally, any dam restoration will likely trigger a requirement for fish passage which would add $4.3 million to the total 50-year cost of restoration, for a total cost of $10.8 million.
If that were to be the case, removal of Montgomery Dam will cost an estimated 6.1 million less than restoration.
What about a fish ladder?
Will one be required if the dam is removed?
No
When the dam is removed, the natural river channel will be passable to a full suite of migratory fish and therefore no fish ladder will be required by the regulatory authorities—primarily Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
But if the Montgomery Dam is restored, there is a good possibility that Maine DEP will require the installation of a fish ladder. According to the MRCAC Report that would bring the cost of saving Montgomery Dam to $10.8 million- all to be paid by the Camden taxpayers.
Will property values, taxes, or insurance rates increase due to water level changes?
No
Most property lines along the banks of the Megunticook go to the center of the river, so there is no property line or value change. This was confirmed through an assessment by a surveyor. Engineers also conducted geomorphic studies to ensure no impact to nearby wells. Insurance rates for some property owners may decrease with lower water levels and less flood risk.