Bond Commission Approves Funding for Removal of Enfield Dam

ENFIELD, CT — A pair of local state legislators expressed their pleasure with Wednesday’s announcement by the State’s Bond Commission to award funds through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to provide requested funds to finance the removal and remediation of Springborn Dam in Enfield.

“For many years, this dam has been a detriment to the Scantic River,” state Rep. Carol Hall said. “This funding is a great representation of critical infrastructure improvement needed around the state and I thank my colleagues in the State Bond Commission for recognizing the need for such funds in my district. The removal of this dam will help to restore the natural fish habitat, as well as improve recreational boating access.”

State Sen. John Kissel said, “I want to commend the State Bond Commission for authorizing funds for this project. This ‘run of the river’ dam was built in 1890 and currently consists of old remains of timber over stone. Removal of the dam will not only eliminate a public safety risk, but will help to restore aquatic life in the river; including a spawning habitat for American shad, river herring, sea lamprey and eels.”

“In addition to the many environmental benefits, the project to remove the dam has the potential to create more than 30 jobs,” Kissel added.

The Springborn Dam has been present on the Scantic River for over 100 years. In 2005, floods damaged the Connecticut DEEP-owned dam, leaving it in need of repair ever since.

This is a second authorization of state funding pertaining to the removal of the dam – the first being in 2014 in the amount of $1 million.

Removal of the dam is slated to begin sometime this spring.

Photo credit: ct.gov