Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund

Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund

Total Fund Amount: Expected to provide approximately $21 million over a 20-year period

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

Focus Areas:

Background:
The fund was created as part of the settlement agreement between parties involved in the federal process to award a new operating license for three hydroelectric dams on the Connecticut River at Fifteen Mile Falls near Littleton, NH and Ryegate, VT. The settlement agreement was signed in 1997, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a new license in April 2002. Dam owner/operator TransCanada Hydro Northeast contributes a portion of annual profits from dam operations to the fund.

Administration:
A 12-person advisory committee made up of representatives from environmental organizations, state and federal agencies, local community groups, and TransCanada Hydro Northeast recommends grants.

Grant Distribution History:

Priority Areas:
Updated priority areas available at www.nhcf.org/mef

Contact: