Winter. © Digital Vision   An important factor in the decision was the fact that the Edwards Dam did not control floods, irrigate fields, or generate much hydropower. The dam generated only 3.5 megawatts of power, 1/1000th of Maine’s electrical energy. And, as is the case for many dams, the bulk of its income went into private hands, in this case to a company that employed just four people. Removing the dam involved a historic cooperative settlement between state and federal organs and private businesses, as well as the Kennebec Coalition, a group of conservation organizations. Funding to remove the dam and assist fisheries restoration projects totaling $7.25 million was provided by Bath Iron Works and the Kennebec Hydro Developers Group, a coalition of upstream dam operators. In return, the upstream group got to defer its obligations to provide fish passages at seven dams upriver, and the Bath Iron Works obtained permission to extend its shipyard into 15 acres of the river.      4 of 11