NEWS
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NY Power Authority and Massena Officials Mark Improvements at Massena Intake Contact: August 22, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MASSENA—Richard Turner, New York Power Authority (NYPA) regional manager, St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project, was joined Tuesday by Town of Massena Supervisor Gary Edwards and other local officials at a ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the rehabilitation of the Massena Intake Boat Launch, which NYPA completed late last spring for the boating season. “Enhanced recreational facilities like the Massena Intake Boat Launch directly stem from commitments we made under the successful relicensing of the St. Lawrence-FDR project,” said Turner, who earlier this summer became NYPA’s regional manager, Northern New York. “The Power Authority is happy to be contributing to the beautiful outdoor attractions that this area has to offer. We consider these and other recreational improvements part of our responsible stewardship of St. Lawrence-FDR, our first generating facility and a continued source of some of the lowest cost and cleanest electricity.” “The improvements at this boat launch are sure to be enjoyed by Town of Massena residents and others for many years to come,” said Massena Supervisor Edwards. “The Power Authority and its contractors have taken special care to meet our expectations and I’m delighted to be participating in ceremonies, on behalf of the town’s residents, in marking the recreational upgrades here, which also have included Massena Town Beach.” The Power Authority has relied on Northern New York and upstate firms for its undertaking of area recreational improvements in connection with the new project license. Facilities at the Massena Intake were completely rehabilitated or replaced by Perras Excavating, Inc., of Massena with subcontractors including: North Racquette Greenery (Massena), Northeastern Sign Corp. (South Colton), Parker Line Striping (Dekalb Junction), and Butler Fence North, Inc. (Watertown). The improvements were designed by C&S Engineers of Syracuse. Among the subcontractors working with C&S Engineers were Reimann-Buechner and N.K. Bhandari—both of Syracuse. Bernier, Carr & Associates (Watertown) served as construction manager. The Massena intake now features improved lighting at the launch; rearranged lanes and docks, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Other ADA-compliant improvements include parking spaces, pathways to picnic areas, and a brand new fishing pier. The loop trail has been freshly paved to enjoy the scenery and beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River. Expanded boat parking has been added, along with boarding docks for temporary boat tie-ups. An informational kiosk, staff gage, and signage have also been added. In October 2003, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued the St. Lawrence-FDR Project a new 50-year license following a cooperative consultation process with interested parties. Provisions under the new license include the Power Authority’s rehabilitation of existing recreational facilities and construction of new ones. In December 2003, the NYPA trustees authorized expenditures totaling about $170 million, including recreational facilities, in compliance with the new license. Every 12 years, NYPA will prepare and file with FERC a report on the adequacy of the recreational facilities associated with the power project, in consultation with the towns within the project boundary and other organizations. About NYPA: ■ NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. |
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