FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEWISTON—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will make a payment of $485,389 to the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper as part of a settlement agreement related to NYPA’s receipt of a new 50-year federal license for the Niagara Power Project.  

The funds will be used by the local environmental organization to hire staff and assist NYPA with the implementation of habitat improvement projects in the area of the Niagara River Basin. 

“The Niagara River is a major environmental, economic and recreational asset of Western New York,” Roger B. Kelley, NYPA president and chief executive officer, said. “We commend the work of the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper in protecting this vital resource and are pleased to support these efforts.” 

“We are grateful to receive this financial support from NYPA,” said Julie O’Neill, who serves as executive director and riverkeeper with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. “The funds will help to ensure the ecological health of the Niagara River and its tributaries—our local Great Lakes ecosystem.” 

The Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper was established to protect and enhance the natural and historical environments of the Niagara River Basin and the surrounding areas for the benefit of the local community. 

The one-time payment is part of the financial support and other benefits that NYPA will provide in Western New York over the term of the Niagara project’s new license under various settlement agreements. 

The Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper will use the funds in its role as a member of the Ecological Standing Committee, a group of federal, tribal, state and non-profit representatives, which will oversee the development of local habitat improvement projects. The organization is also a member of the Ecological Greenway Fund Standing Committee, one of the four standing greenway committees that will receive a total of $9 million annually over the license term to support the creation and maintenance of the 35-mile Niagara River Greenway from Buffalo to Youngstown.  

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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