Power Authority to 'Test' Renewed Boating on Lower Reservoir

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Jack Murphy
914-390-8198
jack.murphy@nypa.gov

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August 13, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTH BLENHEIM—The New York Power Authority will reopen the lower reservoir at the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project for the Labor Day weekend as a test of procedures that could lead to more normal activities during the boating season next summer.

Officials will permit boating by those who obtain and display special permits on their boats and boat trailers for the three days of the holiday weekend, Sept. 4, 5 and 6.

The application procedure for permits is the same as for the upper reservoir, which was reopened for recreational boating earlier this summer. Applications for permits may be obtained by calling 1-800-724-0309 or by visiting the Power Authority’s web page, www.nypa.gov.

Once a permit is obtained—the same permit is good for both reservoirs—the permit holder is required to call 1-800-FOR-NYPA (1-800-367-6972) extension 6364, on the day before they plan to go boating. Those using the lower reservoir must check in with Mine Kill Park officials and submit their boat and vehicle for inspection. Those boaters using the upper reservoir must stop at the South Gate on Valenti Road to notify security personnel and undergo inspection.

Mine Kill State Park is located on Route 30, just south of the Blenheim-Gilboa Project visitors center. Boats, including power boats, clearly marked with New York State registration numbers and a NYPA permit, will be allowed daily during regular park hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The upper reservoir, located on Kingsley Road in the Town of Gilboa, is restricted to rowboats and canoes, with or without electric trolling motors, which have state registration numbers and a NYPA permit. Gasoline-powered engines are not permitted on the upper reservoir.

Shoreline fishing at the lower reservoir is permitted everyday during the regular hours of park operation.

The reservoir may be closed at any time due to increased threat level as determined by Power Authority corporate security officials.