FARMINGTON — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night voted to support a $1.2 million proposal from the Atlantic Salmon Federation to remove the Walton’s Mill Dam and upgrade a surrounding public park, at no cost to the town.

Approval was 4-1, with Selectman Matthew Smith voting against the proposal.

Farmington selectmen have approved a $1.2 million project that includes removal of the Walton's Mill Dam, seen Tuesday. Now the plan is expected to be submitted to town voters in a referendum, probably in November. Staff photo by Rachel Ohm

A $1.2 million project that won Farmington selectmen's approval Tuesday night would include removal of the Walton's Mill Dam and upgrading a surrounding public park, seen Tuesday. Now the plan is expected to be submitted to town voters in a referendum, probably in November. Staff photo by Rachel Ohm

The project also is subject to voters’ approval. A referendum on it probably would occur in November.

The town is currently in violation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act because the old dam is blocking salmon from traveling up Temple Stream to spawn.

“The federal government could demand we do something at any moment,” Town Manager Richard Davis said. “Right now we have an opportunity to take advantage of funding at no cost to the town. With all the other needs we have, it’s very difficult to think about spending $750,000 of taxpayer money to fix a dam and install a fish ladder.”

The Atlantic Salmon Federation is offering to remove the dam as well as work with the town to redesign Walton’s Mill Pond Park and set aside $20,000 for the town to use for future repairs and maintenance.

If the proposal is not accepted, the town’s other option for complying with federal law would be to spend an estimated $750,000, likely of taxpayer money, to build a fish passageway and leave the dam in place.

Smith said he voted not to support the Atlantic Salmon Federation’s proposal because he thinks the town is being bullied into the decision.

“They’ve expected us to make a certain decision,” Smith said. “I understand it would be expensive to build a fish passageway, but it’s still our choice.”

The federation’s plans include upgrades to the park such as a new pavilion, bathroom facilities and added trails.

Three public meetings already have been held on the topic, and more will be planned before the referendum, selectmen said.

Also on Tuesday, the board authorized the Farmington Police Department to accept a transfer of $1,108 in criminal forfeiture assets as the result of a drug investigation, $1,000 from the Healthy Community Coalition to conduct underage drinking enforcement details, $2,500 from Dirigo Safety for underage drinking enforcement and sales and service compliance checks, $11,691 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to participate in Operation Stonegarden, and $3,300 from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to conduct all-terrain vehicle patrols.

They also awarded a contract for a Front Street retaining wall and culvert project to Ranger Contracting of Winslow, for $421,402. Funding for that project will come from public works funds, a $75,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Protection, and Tax Increment Financing funds.

Rachel Ohm — 612-2368

rohm@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @rachel_ohm