Statement
NTHP MEDIA CONTACT: JESSICA PUMPHREY, 202.588.6141, JPUMPHREY@SAVINGPLACES.ORG
U.S. COURT OF APPEALS APPROVES PLAN
TO SIGNIFICANTLY ALTER HISTORIC PAWTUCKET DAM
Statement by Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Washington (February 12, 2015) – Today, a federal appeals court upheld a Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission order that allows the partial demolition of the historic
Pawtucket Dam in the Lowell National Historical Park. The decision, by the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the First Circuit, came in response to an unusual agency-versus-agency
suite by the Secretary of the Interior, challenging FERC’s decision to allow the dam
operator to replace a historic wooden flashboard crest gate system with a modern
concrete and steel crest gate system. The National Trust and Preservation
Massachusetts filed an amicus curiae brief in support of the challenge and preservation
of this National Treasure. The following is a statement from Stephanie Meeks, president
of the National Trust for Historic Preservation:
“We are disappointed in the court’s interpretation of the language in the Lowell National
Historical Park Act, which we thought was clear in its prohibition of such drastic
alterations like the replacement of the historic flashboard system with a modern
concrete and steel crest gate system,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National
Trust for Historic Preservation. “Altering this rare historic structure that has effectively
been in use for more than 175 years will not only harm the dam, but also the park and
surrounding National Historic Landmark district.
“Pawtucket Dam is a part of a cohesive collection of significant early industrial resources
that have been designated and protected for their integrity. Destroying the dam’s
historic character will not only harm this National Treasure, but will severely diminish
the visitor experience and authenticity of Lowell, Massachusetts—the cradle of the
American Industrial Revolution.”
“We commend the Justice Department for supporting this highly unusual agency-toagency challenge brought by the Secretary of the Interior.”
BACKGROUND ON PAWTUCKET DAM
The Pawtucket Dam is a rare hydraulic structure that helped make Lowell the cradle of America’s
Industrial Revolution. The Pawtucket Dam is designated as a “contributing resource” in the Lowell Locks
and Canals National Historic Landmark (NHL) District, the Lowell National Historical Park and the
locally designated Downtown Lowell Historic District. It is a major attraction of the Park and is featured
in several of the Park’s boat and walking tours. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, alongside
Preservation Massachusetts and the Lowell Heritage Partnership, has been working to protect this
historic resource.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save
America’s historic places. PreservationNation.org.
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