A federal grant of nearly $393,000 will help pay for the removal of a deteriorating dam on the Sheepscot River in Whitefield to allow passage of Atlantic Salmon, herring and other fish.

Herring is a key source of bait for Maine's lobster industry, but recent shortages have caused hardships for fishermen.

The grant to the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will partially finance a project that will cost nearly $800,000 to remove the Coopers Mills Dam in Whitefield.  The dam is in the main stem of the river, has only limited fish passage and has been leaking. 

The town fire department uses the pond behind that dam for fire protection, but because of the leaks, it has become an unreliable source. The ASF project will not only remove the deteriorating dam but will also create three new hydrants in town that tap into the Sheepscot River.  In addition, ASF will create a viewing area at the site and preserve the history of some of the five mills that operated there in the early 1800s.

"This is a win for everyone," said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, in a press release. "Not only will it free up this part of the river for fish passage but it will improve fire protection in Whitefield and preserve the history of this site."

In addition to Atlantic Salmon and herring, shad and river eels also swim upstream in the Sheepscot River and will be able to continue to the 13 ponds and lakes attached to the river after the dam is removed.

Andy Goode, VP of US Programs for the Atlantic Salmon Foundation, said they expect the project to be completed in 2018.