ALBANY: New Power for Jobs Allocations Help Create 293 Jobs— Governor George E. Pataki announced on April 18 that nearly 300 jobs would be created and another 42,000 protected as a result of the Power Authority's approval of the latest allocations of low-cost electricity under the Governor's Power for Jobs^TM program. Seventeen first-time recipients have committed to create 293 jobs, including 162 at Quad Graphics of Saratoga Springs and 68 at Jetro Holdings of Queens. The new recipients have also pledged to retain more than 10,000 jobs. Allocations linked to retention of more than 31,000 other jobs went to companies and not-for-profit organizations whose original allocations under the program were due to expire. Legislation approved last year calls for an additional 300,000 kilowatts (kw) of power for current and new Power for Jobs recipients. A total of 450,000 kw was allocated in the first three years of the program. NYPA purchases the electricity for Power for Jobs under contract from the FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego County or obtains it through a competitive bidding process.

LOCKPORT: Energy Upgrades Approved for Niagara County— The Niagara County Legislature has approved a Power Authority plan to implement $1.3 million in energy-efficiency improvements at 20 county-operated buildings, with savings to the county's taxpayers estimated at $134,000 a year. The project targets lighting and heating-system upgrades at the county's Highway Department complex, Davison Road complex and Public Works Department. The improvements will reduce the facilities' annual electricity use by 783,000 kilowatt-hours. NYPA previously supplied Niagara County with energy-efficient lighting fixtures for use in the Trott Access Center and the County Jail. The Power Authority's energy services program is a key component of Gov. George E. Pataki's efforts to encourage energy efficiency at state office, public schools and other government buildings across the state.

NEW YORK: Hospital Association Backs Emergency Generators— The Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), representing 175 not-for-profit and public hospitals and continuing care facilities, has provided its backing for the small, clean turbine-generators NYPA is working to install in New York City and on Long Island by this summer to reduce the risks of power shortages and electricity price spikes. "Because our members need power 24 hours per day, seven days per week to operate high-technology, life-saving and life-sustaining equipment, even a short disruption can have a serious impact on our members' operation," Kenneth E. Raske, the association's president, wrote in a letter to the Power Authority. He added that GNYHA members, "who are operating with break even or negative margins, can ill afford sudden increases in electricity costs." While noting that the association has not taken a position on the specific sites for the generators, Raske called on NYPA "to continue your work with community groups and others to ensure acceptance."

GRAND GORGE: New Fire Station Gets NYPA Boost—The fund drive for a proposed combination fire house and community center for the Grand Gorge Fire District got a big boost with a $30,000 contribution from NYPA on April 24. Power Authority Chairman Joseph J. Seymour presented a check to Fire Commissioner Patricia Davis at a ceremony at NYPA's Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project visitors center. "We know how important emergency services are…so we're very happy to be able to help build this new facility," Seymour said. "Modern, up-to-date emergency facilities help us to meet Governor Pataki's goal of assuring that New York State is the best place to live and work." The new building will replace a structure built in 1936.The fire district provides fire protection and emergency services to Grand Gorge and surrounding areas, including the Blenheim-Gilboa project.

MASSENA: More Businesses Now Eligible For Job Funds— The Loan Fund Board for the Greater Massena Economic Development Fund has approved new eligibility criteria, making a wider variety of new or expanding businesses in St. Lawrence County eligible for loans to create and retain jobs. The new criteria add industrial, research and development, high technology, agriculture and non-retail service businesses to the previously eligible manufacturing and assembly businesses. "Governor George E. Pataki's efforts to revive New York's economy take a big step forward today with the increased opportunities for creating and retaining jobs," said NYPA Chairman Joseph J. Seymour. The board is composed of representatives of the Power Authority, the Job Development Authority, Empire State Development, St. Lawrence County and the Town of Massena. The Power Authority provided initial funding, with $1 million in May 1987, to establish the revolving fund, which has grown to over $2 million through interest payments.

MARCY: NYPA Helps Stage Envirothons at Several Sites— High school students in Oneida County and other upstate locations have an opportunity to demonstrate their environmental knowledge and ingenuity at Power Authority-co-sponsored envirothons, daylong hands-on exercises that test students' problem-solving abilities. NYPA's Clark Energy Center here was scheduled to play host to the Oneida County Envirothon on April 25. The Power Authority is also co-sponsoring the Niagara/Orleans Counties Envirothon at Bond's Lake Conservation Center, Lewiston, on May 3 and the North Adirondack Regional Envirothon at Paul Smith's College on May 8. Regional winners will compete in the state envirothon at the State University of New York at Cobleskill May 26 and 27.

In the Community: A Power Authority electric vehicle (EV) was scheduled to serve as the official pace car at the Nancy Price 5-K Run, co-sponsored by NYPA, Youngstown, April 28. The fundraising run will benefit a scholarship for high school students. On the same day, another NYPA EV was slated to be displayed at the Smelt Festival, Lewiston….Karen Toften, a NYPA senior tour guide, was scheduled to speak to students at the Jefferson Central School on careers in the electric utility industry, April 27…Joe Leary, a NYPA senior intergovernmental affairs specialist, was scheduled to speak to the Elmhurst Economic Development Corporation on the emergency generators NYPA is installing in New York City by the summer, Pan Am Motor Inn, April 26….Power Authority electric vehicles were on view at Howe Caverns, Howe Caves, on April 22 and at the New York State Museum, Albany, on April 21 as part of Earth Day celebrations….NYPA staffed a Power Authority exhibit and displayed an electric vehicle at the Somos El Futuro conference, Albany. The Power Authority also played host to a reception for minority women business entrepreneurs at the conference, April 20-22….Ron Ciamaga, NYPA’s regional manager, Northern New York, presented a replica check to the Town of Massena representing NYPA's pledge of $25,000 for the town's bicentennial celebration, scheduled for July 2002, April 18….More than 1,800 people turned out for an Easter community event at NYPA's Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project visitors center, North Blenheim, April 14.