FROED One Government Center Fall River, MA 02722-7700 Tel 508-324-2620 Fax 508-677-2840 info@froed.org		FREEing The Quequechan River The Fall River Spirit, Thursday, April 16, 2009 - Page 1 After decades of being paved over in the name of progress, the once majestic falls of the Quequechan River could once again see the light of day, a sparkling jewel in the crown of a multi-faceted plan that aims to propel Fall River to the forefront of cities employing renewable energy technology. Mayor Robert Correia showcased an ambitious plan on April 7 to make the city a regional leader in renewable energy. Over 130 community leaders viewed a presentation entitled the "Fall River Energy Enterprise", or FREE at Fall River's Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center. The plan, detailed by John K. Grosvenor of the city's project partner, Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc., encompasses a wide range of renewable energy projects as well as innovative reuse of the city's historic mills. A highlight of the plan was the proposed restoration and "daylighting" of the Quequechan River for both hydroelectric power and recreational purposes. Recounting the history of the Quequechan, Mayor Correia said, "She was used to create cheap power for all the mills." "She was used, she was abused, and then finally after we polluted her, "| we buried her," he said. "She was under our nose and under our feet all the time." "While we were talking about green cities, we were walking over the potential for Fall River's greatness again," added the Mayor. Mayor Correia has appointed Alan Amaral, president of the Fall River Office of Economic Development Corporation, to lead a task force working with Grosvenor and other architects and engineers on the project. Through FROED Vice President Kenneth Fiola, it was learned that his office had already provided $10,000 in seed money to prepare the concept presentation. The vision plan includes freeing the Quequechan from its underground culverts and the construction of two new waterfalls: a crescent shaped fall just southwest of the current Government Center for hydroelectric generation, and a more scenic fall between the current Chamber of Commerce building and the Metacomet Mill. "The 25 million gallons of water that flows daily through the river is capable of providing significant amounts of power," said Grosvenor. "The creation of new waterfront property suitable for development would be a by-product of exposing the river," he added. The comprehensive plan envisions several other energy and beautification initiatives including: removing the maize of Route 79 ramps and roadways, replacing Route 79 itself by reconnecting neighborhoods to the waterfront via a tree-lined boulevard and esplanade, linking south facing rooftops with photoelectric panels creating a solar powered energy grid, and placing wind turbines at strategic locations throughout the city. "Just one turbine sited at the city's sewage treatment facility would provide $500,000 per year in energy savings," according to Grosvenor. Citing the city's 10 million square feet of manufacturing space in existing mills, Grosvenor said it would be key to attracting adaptive uses in new industries and research and development efforts. He said the plan included the establishment of a "green" economic enterprise zone from South Watuppa Pond to the Taunton River that would provide 20 percent federal and state tax credits to new businesses. Grosvenor said that the city also had two renewable energy advantages simply because of its geology and geographic location. "The granite ledge that the city sits on, and was quarried to build the mills, is perfect for drilling for geothermal energy," he said. "Geothermal wells would extract water at 53 degrees Fahrenheit and either warm it or cool it depending on need," he added. Terming it "an amazing advantage," Grosvenor also explained that the Taunton River has a tidal flow capable of being harnessed "that's 25% stronger than that of coastal areas such as Newport." Another long term goal of the plan according to Grosvenor, would be the creation of a "linear park system", connecting Heritage Park with newly created green spaces along the restored Quequechan. "It would be similar to Boston's famous Green Necklace," he said. Attending for a portion of the presentation were Congressmen Barney Frank and James McGovern, both of whom assured the audience of their support in obtaining funding for the plan. Citing its connection to the FREE vision, Frank declared, "Now you know why we fought so hard to have the Taunton River declared Wild and Scenic." Frank who chairs the powerful House Financial Services Committee, explained that under the current recession it is more difficult than even a few years ago to obtain funding. Nevertheless, in voicing his support for the initiative, Frank said, "We are committed to finding funds for this project." Calling the plan "bold and visionary," Congressman McGovern said it would have his enthusiastic support in Washington. Mayor Correia said that recently the private, non-profit, Greater Fall River Development Corporation, had pledged $100,000 to the project to "insure that the city continues its commitment to the plan". Correia added that an $861,000 energy conservation block grant recently received from the federal government could also be applied to the project. Alluding to the proposed Weaver's cove liquefied natural gas terminal, the Mayor said, "we really can achieve renewable, economic energy without blowing people up." Back