Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-02-12
Tidal Power Bill May
Strike Snag in Law
Regarding "Juice"

The question of whether electricity
generated by tidal power is included
in the provision of the state law for
bidding the transmission of electricity
beyond the confines Of the state is
likely to be raised in connection with
the proposed tide power development
of from 100000 to 100000 horsepower
at Lubec. Me-. Deer Isle and Lett. n
B., 1t was learned Wednesday.
The proposed tidewater dams, stor-
age basins and highway construction
will cost from $4,000, 900 to 100000
600. according to the estimate of a
Washington county man familiar
with the project.
Although engineers connected with
the project are to visit Augusta with
in a few days the fact that the plans
have to be approved by the American
and Dominion governments and to be
considered by the international joint
commission, makes it probable that
many months will elapse before the
undertaking is finally begun.
It may also be necessary to test the
constitutionality of the present law
forbidding the transmission of cleo
tricity beyond the confines of the
state.
The great amount Of power to he
developed will make the enterprise if
finally undertaken of great value TO
all of eastern Maine as we'll as to st.
John, st. Stephens. Fredericton and
other points in New brunswick.
The project is said 10 take differ
ent angle from the proposed Grand
Falls development recently taken I'M
der consideration at Augusta because
nf tide nOwQY bainO involved
It is not improbable that the pro-
position Of damming Passamaquoddy
bay for the purpose Of creating til
dial power will be brought definitely
before the Maine legislature within
the next week through bill to give
certain rights to corporation inter-
ested in the project.
Robert ]. Peacock, member of the
executive council from Washington
county, to whom the proposition has
been explained by Eengineer Cooper.
who originated it. has been sufficient
ly impressed with the feasibility or
the thing to take 1t up with Gov.
Brewster The governor is known to
be impressed with the project and de-
sirous of learning more about 1t.
Roughly the project Is this: The
erection OF a series OF dams between
Tie IIldlI1l1Hu Nui iCos' At''A''
the bay SO as to create an enormous
tidal basin. By means of locks and
spillways it is planned by means or
these dams and the tidal basin to
take advantage Of the immense ehb
and flow OF tide in Passamaquoddy
bay to generate vast amount OF
hydro electric energy. 1t is estimated
by Mr.. Cooper that practically 3ou.-
600 horsepower can be SO produced.
This is about half what is now gen.
Grated at Niagara.
No statement is made at this time
as to the estimated cost. 1t Is not
understood that the state. is to be
asked to contribute financially to the
project. Maine will be asked to grant
necessary rights to build dams. II
will also he necessary to secure con-
cessions from the New BRUNSWICK,
Dominion of Canada and the United
States governments. 1t is understood
that negotiations for these are al
ready underway.
Engineer Cooper is expected to Wis
it Augusta within the week to dis
cuss the plans with the officials.
Citizens Of Eastport and Lubec are
interested because If the thing goes
through II will make possible road
between the two places. thereby cum
mating the present 40 mile orlNe
around between them.