A seven-year debate over what to do with a 200-year-old dam in Camden is over after residents this week voted to remove the structure.

Supporters of the removal argued that the dam requires major repairs and contributes to flooding during heavy rainstorms.

Opponents claimed it’s part of the town’s history and is a major draw for the town’s tourism industry.

Language on the voting ballot stated the town must use grants and private donations to pay for the dam’s removal, not local property tax funds.

The vote was 1,391 to remove the dam while there were 995 votes against its removal.

The Camden Select Board put the question before the voters following the recommendation in February from the Megunticook River Citizens Advisory Committee that favored full removal of the dam. The committee voted 8-1 to make the recommendation after holding more than 30 meetings on the issue dating back to 2022.

The Montgomery Dam is one of seven along the Megunticook River.

Residents in Dover-Foxcroft also voted this week to remove a dam. Voters rejected a proposal by more than a 2-1 margin (659-297) to $9 million to renovate the Mayo Mill Dam.