President Barack Obama is set to sign legislation into law allowing Canton to energize two small hydroelectric dams in its Collinsville section.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Collinsville Renewable Energy Promotion Act earlier this week in a 379-3 vote, allowing for the town to take control of the dams. This was the first bill Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) introduced as a member of Congress, and one championed by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) when we was in the House.
Once energize, the two dams would produce enough power for about 1,500 homes. The facilities were built in the 18th and 19th centuries to power the Collins Co., which manufactured axes. The Collins Co. closed in the 1960s.
Obama has 10 days to sign the bill into law from the date of its passage, although Esty expects the president will sign the bill. The legislation calls for an environmental analysis of the project on the river’s health.
