BROOKFIELD -- The four lower Kennebec River dams have been sold.
The Nature Conservancy and Brookfield have signed a purchase and sale agreement for the Lockwood, Shawmut, Hydro-Kennebec and Weston dams.
According to a statement from the organizations, the Nature Conservancy and it’s partners seek to return free- flowing conditions to the lower Kennebec River through a mix of dam decommissioning, removal and other efforts.
The statement says any decommissioning will take multiple years.
During that time Brookfield has agreed to continue to maintain high-quality operations at each of the four facilities under long term operating agreements and municipalities will continue to receive property tax payments.
Senator Brad Farrin issued a statement on the sale.
He says quote “The news to