Connecticut River Joint Commissions (CRJC) announces that it has received a $34,960 grant through the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources' Department of Environmental Conservation.
This one-year grant provides funding to implement CRJC's July 2013 to June 2014 work program.
The commission said in a press release that the grant will help it continue the grassroots work of the local river subcommittees as its local eyes and ears, and in guiding implementation of its river management plans.
CRJC said it would focus on the key issues facing the watershed, and will continue to play its two-state role of convening, catalyzing, and leading dialogue on these issues, and making recommendations to both two states as appropriate.
CRJC said it is focused on:
• Participating as a stakeholder in the federal re-licensing of hydroelectric facilities at Wilder Dam, Bellows Falls Dam, Vernon Dam in New Hampshire and Vermont as well as the Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain in northern Massachusetts;
• Publishing regional Recreation Management Plans for the Connecticut River, developed by their five Local River Subcommittees;
• Providing a forum for open discussion about projects affecting the Connecticut River and its watershed, such as the Connecticut River's recent National Blueway designation and the termination of the Atlantic salmon stocking program.
New Hampshire's Connecticut River Valley Resource Commission, created by the legislature in 1987, and Vermont's Connecticut River Watershed Advisory Commission, similarly created in 1988, were directed to cooperate with each other to preserve and protect the resources of the Connecticut River Valley, and to guide its growth and development.
They have met together as the Joint Commissions since 1989.
Both commissions are advisory and have no regulatory powers, preferring instead to advocate and ensure public involvement in decisions which affect the river and the valley.