Canton Hydropower Project Gains Speed in the Senate

Town officials are looking to partner with local businesses to relicense two previously operating hydropower dams on the Farmington River. The U.S. Senate passed legislation Thursday that would propel the project, which has been in the planning stages for more than five years, as reported by the Hartford Courant.

The dams, one on Farmington River in Collinsville and another one further downstream in Avon and Burlington, are expected to produce nearly two megawatts of power — enough energy for more than 1,500 homes.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty introduced the bill in 2013, and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, who introduced similar legislation when he was in the House, helped get the bill through the Senate this year.  

Town Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner told the Courant that three companies have reached out to partner with the town for the project after the town's callout for developers. Those companies will be interviewed May 27, and hiring recommendations will be given to the board of selectmen in June. They would help with attaining permits and funding, putting the bill in motion.

In a statement, Esty said she was proud legislation has gained traction and is on track to becoming a law.

"This project is a win-win — empowering our local communities and moving our state towards a clean energy future,” she said.