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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.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's annual city road cut moratorium will be in effect from Nov. 29, 2024 to March 15, 2025.
The road cut moratorium is implemented annually, as a precautionary measure, to ensure roads are kept clear of construction work during snow events and to limit the cuts in roads that are filled with temporary patches while material is unavailable.
During this period, steel plates are not to be used to cover open excavations in roads. Also, the Department of Public Services and Utilities will not be issuing the following permits:
• General Permit
• Sewer Public Utility Connection Permit
• Stormwater Public Utility Connection Permit
• Water Public Utility Connection Permit
• Trench Permit
Limited exceptions will be made for emergency work that is determined to be an immediate threat to the health or safety of a property or its occupants.
Monument Mountain's Everett Pacheco took control of the race in the final mile and went on to a convincing Division 3 State Championship on Saturday at Fort Devens. click for more
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Mount Greylock dominated for much of the game, compiling a 17-4 advantage in shots on goal, not to mention numerous Mountie chances that went just wide or high of frame. click for more
Nora Schoeny, Gianna Love and Elyssa Scrimo Sunday led the Lenox girls cross country team to a narrow victory in the Division 2 race at the Western Massachusetts Championships at Stanley Park. click for more
Wahconah High senior Tim Kaley Sunday earned his second Berkshire Classic Championship by shooting a 77 at the Country Club of Pittsfield. click for more
