The Town Council is considering an ordinance to authorize issuing a general obligation bond to pay for the necessary repairs. The proposed project and the financing will be explained at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, in council chambers.

The problems with the dam were identified in an assessment conducted by the town and during a follow-up visit by the Maine Emergency Management Agency.

Tony Fletcher of MEMA said the dam has severe leaks through an earthen dike around the concrete spillway wall and is slowly failing, a fact backed up by the increased flows and developing sinkholes. He said the condition of the dam was serious enough to make all affected downstream residents and shop owners aware of the condition.

Fletcher directed town officials to monitor the dam daily and to begin the repairs as soon as possible, moves that already were under way.

Funds to repair the dam will be borrowed over a period not to exceed 20 years.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Monday, July 17, 2006 edition of the Bangor Daily NEWS and is used here with permission."