The transfer of Bucksport-area dams to local ownership from the scrap metal company that bought the former Verso Paper mill’s holdings has been delayed at least until this summer. Issues around water rights previously granted to other companies and those same companies’ responsibility for contributing to deferred maintenance costs have drawn out the process. The town’s filings also question Bucksport Mill’s right to transfer the dams and claim that seeking compensation for water rights goes against the state abandonment statute. But they do want to take ownership of the dams this year to start addressing maintenance issues, according to Restuccia. Proponents of the districts have said they can be a blueprint for other towns as hundreds of dams around the state age and deteriorate.