An important message from the Mayo Mill Dam Review Committee

Last June, voters in Dover-Foxcroft voted “NO” to removing the Mayo Mill Dam. After that vote, the Town put together a larger, more inclusive group of citizens to consider what to do next with the Mayo Mill Dam. This group, named the Mayo Mill Dam Review Committee, has been meeting since August of 2024. Since that time, the committee’s best efforts to develop a plan to save the Dam at a low cost have yielded less success than they had hoped. 

The Committee and the Select Board feel it is important to provide the following update to the citizens and business owners of Dover-Foxcroft, as ultimately, the decision for a path forward and all associated costs should rest in the hands of Dover-Foxcroft voters.

Two Articles about the Dam were discussed at the Town meeting on Saturday, April 26th and were approved to appear on the June 10th Town referendum ballot.

The purpose of this E-Blast is to give the Business Community and local citizens details about the impact of these Articles on property taxes. You will be receiving a letter by mail from the committee, as well.

The Dam Committee’s mission is:

“To present the Town a plan, including costs and funding sources, for keeping the Dam and impoundment (with or without power generation).”

Here is a summary of what the Committee has determined since August of 2024:

1) It is not economically feasible to generate power at the dam.

2) The initial cost estimates to the repair the Dam are approximately 9 million dollars.

3) FERC approval is required for any plan.

4) Regardless of the plan, a Surrender Application must be filed with FERC since hydropower will not be generated.

Developing and filing the Surrender Application is a lengthy and expensive process, requiring approximately $250,000 to begin working on the Application. The Town needs the authority to borrow more money if it becomes necessary, with a cap of $500,000. 

Once the Surrender Application has been approved by FERC, construction work to REPAIR the Dam would be put out for bid, IF the voters choose this option on June 10th.

THE COMMITTEE IS URGING

DOVER-FOXCROFT VOTERS

TO PLACE YOUR VOTE ON JUNE10TH!

8AM-8PM, 48 Morton Ave, Dover-Foxcroft

For a preview of the informational letters being sent by regular mail, click below:

Dover-Foxcroft Business Owners

Dover-Foxcroft Voters

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DAM

Click or Scan QR Codes to Get More Information

This E-Blast has been paid for by the Town of Dover-Foxcroft on behalf of the Mayo Mill Dam Review Committee. E-Blasts are a benefit of membership to the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce. For more information on E-mail marketing, E-mail us HERE.