Please take some time to honor and respect those who volunteered to protect our way of life. Freedom isn’t free, and they are the ones who volunteered to risk all for us. Also thank their families for their sacrifice waiting for their loved ones to return home.
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
Great River Hydro, LLC
69 Milk Street, Suite 306
NH State Representative Steven Smith 
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