Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund

Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund

Overview: A substantial fund providing grants to support restoration, protection, and enhancement of the upper Connecticut River watershed.

Geographic Scope: Upper Connecticut River watershed upstream of White River Junction, VT; New Hampshire and Vermont

Focus Areas:

Funding Structure: Expected to provide approximately $21 million over a 20-year period. As of the 2015 grant round, the fund had distributed $12.5 million since 2003.

Fund Origin: Created as part of settlement agreement between parties involved in the federal licensing process for three hydroelectric dams on the Connecticut River at Fifteen Mile Falls (near Littleton, NH) and Ryegate, VT. Settlement agreement signed in 1997. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued new license for dams in April 2002. Dam owner/operator TransCanada Hydro Northeast contributes annual profits from dam operations to the fund.

Advisory Committee: 12-person advisory committee with representatives from:

Committee recommends grants from the fund.

Priority Areas: Listed on website at www.nhcf.org/mef

Contact: Kevin Peterson, 603-653-0387 ext. 21270

Program History: 13th round of grants as of 2015. Fund will continue awarding grants until spent down.