OLD TOWN, ME - August 31, 2007 - In an important next step for the landmark Penobscot River Restoration Project, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded $450,000 from its Broad Area Announcement toward engineering and environmental studies necessary for project design and permitting. An unprecedented collaboration between dam owner PPL Corporation, the Penobscot Indian Nation, state and federal agencies, and six conservation groups, the Penobscot Project aims to improve access to nearly 1,000 miles of habitat for sea-run fish by reconnecting the Gulf of Maine to the inland waters of the Penobscot while maintaining hydropower generation.

NOAA awards the Broad Area Announcement grants to special projects and programs associated with the Agency's strategic plan and mission goals and to encourage innovative projects such as the Penobscot Restoration.

"This funding will support crucial design and baseline assessment activities for this large-scale river restoration project," said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator. "If Congress appropriates the President’s request for an additional $10 million for this project in FY 2008, we will be on our way to restoring self-sustaining populations of Atlantic salmon, shortnose sturgeon, alewife, and other sea-run
fish to the Penobscot River and beyond."

Securing this grant kicks off a new phase for the project - obtaining the permits necessary to decommission three Penobscot River dams, remove the two dams closest to the sea - Veazie and Great Works dams, and build a state-of-the-art fish bypass around Howland dam. The award from NOAA highlights the Administration's strong support of the project and the key role this restoration effort will play in the recovery of anadromous fish critical to the future health of the Penobscot River and the Gulf of
Maine.

"With this grant, NOAA confirms the tremendous value of restoring the river's natural functions and reconnecting the Penobscot River to the sea," said Laura Rose Day, Executive Director, Penobscot River Restoration Trust. "The Trust greatly appreciates the strong bi-partisan support for the project and leadership from our congressional delegation to secure the funding necessary to restore this magnificent river."

The Penobscot River drains over 8,500 square miles in north central Maine and provides the largest freshwater input into the Gulf of Maine. Historically, the river functioned as a highway for fish to journey between spawning and feeding habitat. The migration of 11 species of sea-run fish to spawn each year as well as the return of adult and juvenile fish to the sea provided abundant food to the people and wildlife of the river, and offered important cultural and economic values to communities up and down the river.

"The identity of the Penobscot tribe is deeply intertwined with the health of the river, and has been for over 10,000 years. Restoring the fisheries to the river will bring new life to the river, in turn revitalizing our cultural connections and strengthening our community," said Penobscot Indian Nation Chief Kirk Francis. "We appreciate NOAA's support in moving the project into its second phase, and commend the Maine Congressional Delegation for their continued leadership and support."

Today, after swimming through the Penobscot estuary, sea-run fish are impeded by dams-the most significant barrier blocking access to their spawning grounds and other important habitat. The Penobscot Project will open up access along the main stem of the lower Penobscot River and improve access to significant spawning habitat in the Pisquataquis and Pleasant Rivers and other important tributaries.

Energy increases at six other dams owned by PPL and fish passage improvements at four of these dams are also key aspects of the project. The Milford dam, PPL's headquarters in Maine, will become the first dam on the river.

"The Penobscot River Restoration Project provides a unique opportunity to improve access to nearly 1,000 miles of habitat for critically endangered Atlantic salmon and other fish species without sacrificing the renewable energy generated on the river," said U.S. Senator Snowe. "The funding Senator Collins and I worked hard to include in this year's NOAA appropriations bill will allow purchase of the dams, and I am delighted to see NOAA take the first step in the next phase of this vital project that will provide countless benefits to our economy, environment, and quality of life."

"I am very pleased that NOAA has awarded the Penobscot River Restoration Trust a grant to complete the design, permitting, and environmental review for this remarkable project. With these funds, we are one step closer to completing one of the largest, most creative river restoration projects in our nation's history," said Senator Susan Collins.

The Penobscot River Restoration Project is expected to help revive the social, cultural, and economic traditions of New England’s second largest river.

"The Penobscot River is a unique river, with special importance to Maine and to the nation. I grew up along this river and have long worked to restore this extensive natural fishery," stated Congressman Michael Michaud. "I welcome the support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose expertise will play an important role in this project."

Receipt of this grant adds to the growing momentum of the Penobscot Project on all fronts, especially the steady progress toward securing the moneys to purchase the dams. 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. The Trust has raised $9 million from private sources. Maine's Congressional Delegation has been instrumental in securing more than $5.4 million in federal funds to date. Additional support has come from a wide array of supporters, including the state of Maine, tribes, businesses, and local and national organizations.

The Penobscot River Restoration Trust (the Penobscot Trust) is a nonprofit corporation whose members include the Penobscot Indian Nation, American Rivers, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Maine Audubon, The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited, and whose mission is to implement the Penobscot River Restoration Agreement. www.penobscotriver.org

Penobscot River Restoration Trust

Penobscot River Restoration Trust

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