NEWS
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Agreements Reached with Northern New York Communities for Operation and Maintenance of Municipal Recreational Facilities Near St. Lawrence-FDR Project Contact: February 13, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MASSENA–The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has entered into agreements with four municipalities for continued operation and maintenance of recreational facilities near NYPA’s St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project. “Each year, NYPA-owned recreational facilities like the Massena Town Beach, the Waddington Town Beach and Whalen Park in Louisville are used by thousands of local residents and tourists visiting the region,” NYPA President and Chief Executive Officer Roger B. Kelley said. “The operation and maintenance agreements with local municipalities will ensure that the facilities continue to provide quality recreational opportunities for years to come.” Kelley noted that the Power Authority undertook nearly $8 million in improvements to the recreational facilities, as provided for under the federal relicensing of the St. Lawrence-FDR project in 2003. The new agreements for the operation and maintenance of those facilities are with the towns of Massena, Louisville and Waddington and the village of Waddington. NYPA had provided lump-sum annual payments to the municipalities since 1991 for this purpose. The newly negotiated agreements will allow the communities to be reimbursed for their actual costs, with NYPA expecting to provide more than $300,000 a year. Every September, the municipalities will submit an annual budget and work plan to NYPA for its approval. They will be responsible for maintaining parking areas, trails and vegetation, as well as operation, repair or reconstruction of the facilities. The agreements will allow the municipalities to purchase or replace recreational equipment for the facilities. The Massena Town Beach will be operated and maintained through the agreement between NYPA and the town of Massena. “We are happy that we have reached an agreement with the Power Authority,” Massena Town Supervisor Gary Edwards said. “We have a very nice beach. All of the upgrades have made it a top-notch facility. We look forward to working with the Power Authority for years to come.” The town of Louisville will be responsible for operation and maintenance of Whalen Park, the walking trail between the park and Massena Country Club, Sand Island, Sandy Beach and the car-top boat launch. In addition, the town will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of other recreational facilities in Louisville, including nine access lots in Wilson Hill and the Wilson Hill Causeway. “These facilities are important attractions to our town and we are pleased we will continue to maintain them,” Louisville Town Supervisor Larry Legault said. “Whalen Park has been getting a lot of use. The new walking trail is very popular. Recreation was a big part of relicensing and NYPA has invested a great deal of funding to improve the facilities.” NYPA reached an agreement with the town of Waddington concerning the Waddington Town Beach and Little Sucker Brook Park. “The public really enjoys the new beach,” Waddington Town Supervisor William Dalton said. “People from out of town have commented on how nice it is. I am happy we will continue to maintain the facilities. I think it’s going to work well. It’s a fair agreement for all involved.” The village of Waddington will be responsible for operation and maintenance of Island View Park, Waddington Mooring Facility and Whittaker Park. “We want to continue to work with the Power Authority,” Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada said. “These agreements will ensure that the village is reimbursed for all costs associated with operating and maintaining these facilities that provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to our community.” 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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