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Sen. Kerry, Rep. Frank: Taunton Dam Poses Serious 'Safety Threat'

TAUNTON (CBS) - Senator John Kerry and Congressman Barney Frank want a crumbling dam in Taunton taken down.

They say the Whittenton Mill Dam poses a safety and economic threat to people living in the area.

The two lawmakers have asked the federal government to pay for the dam's removal.

The dam that was originally built in 1832 appeared to be on the verge of collapse during a severe storm in 2005, forcing more than 2,000 people to evacuate Taunton.

Emergency repairs were made, which presumably saved homes and businesses. But, Senator Kerry says the repairs have since been deemed unsafe.

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