Papermill Pond Dam Removal

THIS IS ANOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD TO A SINGLE SOURCE, AND THERE IS NO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE. This Notice is NOT a request for competitive proposals. This is a notice of intent to award a Cooperative Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and The Nature Conservancy for the purpose of removing an antiquated, hazardous dam on the East Apetuck River in New Milford, Connecticut to enhance the aquatic riverine habitat, increase recreational fishing opportunities and eliminate a safety hazard posed by the disintegrating dam. This award will support the Department of the Interior's priority to "Create a conservation stewardship legacy", specifically by fostering a partnership with a conservation organization (TNC) and a sportsmen's group/local landowner (Ousatonic Fish and Game Protective Association) to enhance habitat for migratory fish and improve a recreational fishery. This project also "Restores trust with local communities" by providing federal funds for local priorities (in this case removing an antiquated dam that is a safety hazard to downstream residents). Lastly, this award will support several Departmental initiatives - creating American jobs, increasing, and improving recreational opportunities. The source of the funding for this award is from a natural resource damage settlement between the Service, the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Trustees) and the General Electric Company. The award will help to compensate for natural resources injured as a result of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released from the General Electric Company facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts under the authority of CFDA 15.658, Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Restoration, and Implementation. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed assistance is based upon Departmental Manual 505DM2, paragraph2.l4 (B) (4) and is solely within the discretion of the Govemment. Questions conceming this announcement should be directed to Artela Jacobs at (404) 679-7197 or by email at [email protected].