This is a day of remembrance, of some of our greatest heroes. 22 years ago, terrorists committed a heinous act. That morning, first responders woke up and went to work not knowing what the day would bring. As the attack happened, many of us watched and had the luxury of trying to process what was going on. Those brave Americans didn’t. They sprang into action, having never dealt with something of this magnitude. We should be forever grateful for their courage and sacrifice. We should thank their families for the loss they endured, so that others could be saved. I am grateful that we have people of that caliber. As most people were working on getting on safety, others were running towards the danger. Here is a snapshot of what that looks like, someone who would let nothing stop them from getting in to help.
UPDATE: DRAWDOWN INITIATED: As previously indicated, Great River Hydro will be initiating the drawdown of the Bellows Falls Dam impoundment on the Connecticut River this afternoon.
GRH will slowly lower the impoundment, conduct the necessary post-flood restoration work, and then gradually refill the impoundment to normal operating levels. The entire process will take approximately 3 days. We will communicate with you again when the work is completed.
During the drawdown, visitors to Connecticut River will see exposed riparian areas upstream of Bellows Falls dam, most visible closest to the Bellows Falls dam. We are taking every measure to mitigate, to the extent possible, risks and impact to environmental resources in and adjacent to the Connecticut River.
All recreational use of the river is strongly discouraged during the drawdown period as reduced flows may expose previously submerged hazards and dangerous conditions could exist in exposed flats. Public safety devices at the dam will be restored as soon as possible. Boat ramps at the following locations remain temporarily closed until that work is completed: Herricks Cove (Rockingham, VT), Charlestown (Charlestown, NH), and Pine Street (North Walpole, NH).
Boating continues to be strongly discouraged upstream of Vernon Dam until public safety devices can be restored there as well.
Further updates will be provided as soon as possible. Please contact communications@greatriverhydro.com or (802) 291-8104 with any questions.
Brandon Kibbe
Director of Business Development and Legislative Affairs
IMPORTANT ADVISORY: As part of our successful flood control response during the historic rain event on July 10, 2023, Great River Hydro (GRH) raised the stanchion flashboards at our Bellows Falls dam on the Connecticut River in accordance with the dam’s design, its operating procedures, and its FERC license.
With the floodwaters receding, GRH is now preparing to reset the stanchions and restore the flashboards to their normal operating positions. The restoration project will involve drawing down the impoundment upstream of Bellows Falls dam for a brief period to accomplish the work.
As soon as early next week (dependent upon when optimal flow conditions can be reached), GRH will slowly lower the impoundment, conduct the necessary work, and then gradually refill the impoundment to normal operating levels. The entire process will take approximately 3 days. We will communicate with you again when the drawdown is set to begin.
During the drawdown, visitors to Connecticut River will see exposed riparian areas upstream of Bellows Falls dam, most visible closest to the Bellows Falls dam. We are taking every measure to mitigate, to the extent possible, risks and impact to environmental resources in and adjacent to the Connecticut River.
All recreational use of the river is strongly discouraged during the drawdown period as reduced flows may expose previously submerged hazards and dangerous quagmire conditions could exist in exposed flats. Recreational boating upstream of Bellows Falls Dam will continue to be discouraged after the impoundment is re-filled until GRH can fully restore all public safety measures. Boat ramps at the following locations remain temporarily closed for public safety purposes: Herricks Cove (Rockingham, VT), Charlestown (Charlestown, NH), and Pine Street (North Walpole, NH). Further updates will be provided as soon as possible.
We would appreciate your assistance in sharing this information within your own local networks or community social media outlets.
If you have any questions, please contact me at my mobile or email address below. Please check the website for updates: www.greatriverhydro.com. The public may also contact Great River Hydro at communications@greatriverhydro.com or (802) 291-8104.
Brandon Kibbe
Director of Business Development and Legislative Affairs
NH State Representative Steven Smith 
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