If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
The tag is NO foresight, but I appreciate the special note none the less. I don't doubt that anyone associated with the projects doesn't believe the site could be a "useful" power source. However, I would ask what does the term "useful" mean?
Is it "useful" for the town to produce pollution free electricity? Is it "useful" for the town to have a way to lower it's energy bill by producing some of it's own electricity? Could a working hydro facility be "useful" for area education? Could a by-product of the project be a "useful" recreation area for the town?
The internet is awash with sites dedicated to microhydro projects, it's not like the wheel would need to be re-invented.
In our life time, besides death and taxes, the town of Clarksburg can count on two things. 1)The river will always be flowing and the price of electricity will also be increasing.
My only question for the voters of Clarksburg is: If you are going to spend the money anyway, wouldn't it be nice to get something for it?
For the record, I appreciate all the coverage your site has dedicated to this issue. A job well done.
iberkshires has done an excellent job reporting this issue. Clarksburg officials have gone a poor job dealing with this issue. Now they want to stick the taxpayers withe the wrong decision and the bill. The state officials involved in removing the dam want it removed, that is their job. It is the job of Clarksburg officials to do what is best for the town. There is money available for hydro projects and has been available. but town officials have refused to pursue free money, or even give explanations, based on facts as to why the have not. THis public information and the public can read it here:
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=MA90F&re=1&ee=1
The Selectman told the taxpayers that if they did not vote to spend the money to demolish the dam, that 50 full time and 100 part jobs would be lost, and eventually the mill buildings would have to be torn down at a cost to taxpayers of $1 million. What the selectman did not tell the taxpayers, is that there are companies that specialize in developing small scale hydro power from old dams. These companies will assist the town in obtaining grants and financing to generate electricity, that will produce income for the town for as long as the river flows. This is what the selectman does NOT want the taxpayers to know.
This is one company.
If a hydro project at Briggsville's dam could generate 1 million (1,000,000)Kwh's per year - would the voters of Clarksburg believe the project to worth it? That's enough electricity for about 300 homes.
This is the conservative figure I come up with using only Google Earth measurements and my years spent on and around that river.
A half hour's time could make this estimate an accurate figure and then the voters could make an informed decision.
Clarksburg Announces Open Seats, Dates for 2026 Town Election
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town released the official calendar and list of vacancies for the upcoming 2026 municipal elections, inviting residents to consider local primary leadership roles.
Open Positions
Six town boards have openings this cycle, with terms ranging from three to five years:
Select Board: One seat (3-year term)
School Committee: One seat (3-year term)
Library Trustee: One seat (3-year term)
Board of Health: One seat (3-year term)
War Memorial: One seat (3-year term)
Planning Board: One seat (5-year term)
Key Election Deadlines
The election process officially begins in early February. Prospective candidates and voters should note the following dates:
Feb. 3: Nomination papers become available at the Town Clerk’s Office.
March 25: Deadline for candidates to submit nomination papers.
April 10: Final day for candidates to withdraw from the ballot.
May 2: Last day for residents to register to vote (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.).
May 12: Election Day. Polls will be open from noon to 7:00 p.m.
Financial Reporting
Candidates are reminded of their obligations regarding campaign finance documentation. The pre-election report is due by May 4, followed by a final report on June 11. All elected officials must also file a year-end report by Jan. 20, 2027.
Nolan Booth scored the go-ahead goal with 6 minutes, 22 seconds left in the third, and Ben Harris made 20 saves to give McCann Tech the crown. click for more
The Hoosac Valley Hurricanes boys basketball team used a fast start to claim the Western Massachusetts Class D title with a 62-47 win over the Mount Everett Eagles. click for more
Shane Faucher scored 18 points. Sammy Bullett added 14, and Connor Hinkell and Brayden Durant added 13 and 11, respectively, as Drury won its 11th straight game, improved to 19-2 and captured its first Western Mass title since 2023. click for more
The Holyoke wrestling team Saturday took the final two championship bouts to pull away for the title by a 12-point margin over Mount Greylock at the Western Massachusetts Division 3 Championships. click for more
