We can all agree on the importance of the Sappi mill in Skowhegan and the hundreds of jobs it supports. It is an important part of our regional economy. However, we need to be honest with everyone that there is no evidence that removing the Shawmut Dam would threaten those jobs or the mill’s future.

Unfortunately, Brookfield and its allies like the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce are choosing to ignore the facts. Here’s what’s we know is true.

Everyone involved in this issue — including the conservationists calling for dam removal to save sea-run fish and endangered Atlantic salmon — have repeatedly made clear that they would not support removing the dam if it impacted the Sappi Mill.

Highly successful dam removals elsewhere on the Kennebec and on the Penobscot have included covering the cost of infrastructure changes for industry and municipalities. There’s no reason to think this wouldn’t happen here.

Removing the four dams between Waterville and Skowhegan are our best chance to save Atlantic salmon and restore millions of sea-run fish that support Gulf of Maine fisheries. We can’t afford to miss that opportunity, for the health of the river and the future of riverfront communities along the Kennebec.

Marla Bottesch

Norridgewock