ROME, N.Y.:  Low-Cost Electricity Spurs Job Growth—Allocations of NYPA's low-cost Economic Development Power to Central New York companies will help create 500 jobs at the industrial park at the former Griffis Air Force Base in Rome and result in 200 new jobs in the Onondaga County communities of Cicero and Warners. Power Authority trustees on June 24 approved an allocation of 2,000 kilowatts (kw) to the Griffis Local Development Corporation for Commodore Aviation, Inc., an out-of-state company planning a move to Rome. With the move, the company, which performs aircraft maintenance, repairs and overhauls, will change its name to Empire Air Center and add 500 jobs. The trustees also approved a 500-kw allocation to ICM Controls Corp. of Cicero and 400 kw for Sysco Food Services Corp. of Warners. ICM Controls, a manufacturer of electronic controls for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, anticipates adding 100 employees to its current work force of 200. Sysco Food Services is currently undergoing the third phase of an expansion that will increase its present work force of 500 to 600.

NIAGARA FALLS:  NYPA Helps Renovate Observation Tower—A $5 million Power Authority contribution gave a major boost to the renovation of the observation tower at Niagara Reservation State Park. Gov. George E. Pataki on June 24 announced completion of a multi-year, $44 million rehabilitation project that enhances tourism and recreation around Niagara Falls. Of that total, $24 million went toward the observation tower overhaul, which includes new high-speed elevators to take visitors 200 feet down into the Niagara River Gorge, replacement of the river-level observation deck, construction of new comfort stations and improved handicapped access. The original observation tower was also lowered by 55 feet, lessening its visual impact on the landscape.

NEW YORK:  NYPA President Calls for Stronger Power System— Power Authority President and CEO Eugene Zeltmann has called for bolstering the power transmission system as part of a varied effort to assure reliable, low-cost electricity for the state's homes and businesses. "Without a strong interregional transmission system, we cannot have a truly reliable power supply," Zeltmann said in remarks at a forum on New York power issues. "We cannot have a truly diverse power supply. And we cannot have a truly competitive power supply." Zeltmann said potential options for overcoming bottlenecks on the state's transmission network include upgrades to existing lines, construction of new lines and use of new technologies. In certain circumstances, he said, building clean new power plants near areas of heavy electricity use could ease transmission congestion and eliminate the need for new lines. He said transmission improvements, along with clean new plants and aggressive initiatives to promote energy efficiency, should be part of a three-part strategy for meeting power needs.

LEWISTON:  NYPA Co-sponsors Waterpower Conference—The Power Authority's Niagara Power Project will be on display as part of an international gathering of electric utility professionals participating in the Waterpower XIII Conference this month. While most of the formal presentations will take place at the Buffalo Convention Center, where NYPA Chairman Louis Ciminelli will welcome attendees during the opening plenary session on July 29, a pre-conference tour and a closing conference reception will take place at the Niagara project here. During the three-day conference, several NYPA staff members will make technical presentations on subjects that include the ongoing Niagara project relicensing as well as performance testing at the state's largest hydroelectric generating facility. The Power Authority will also co-sponsor an opening reception at the convention center. For more information, visit: www.hcipub.com.

NEW YORK:  NYPA Power Supports Pfizer Expansion—Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. will relocate 1,000 jobs to New York City by the end of 2004 and create 3,300 new jobs in the city over the next 15 years with the help of an allocation of low-cost Power Authority electricity. The 4,400-kilowatt allocation, approved by NYPA trustees on June 24 for Pfizer facilities in Brooklyn, will help support the company's overall expansion in the city, where it currently employs about 5,500 workers. Pfizer also plans to purchase and renovate a 31-story building at 685 Third Ave. in midtown Manhattan, one of its several headquarters buildings in the city. The allocation is being made through the New York City Public Utility Service from a block of power reserved for sale to eligible businesses. NYPA Chairman Louis Ciminelli said the power earmarked for Pfizer is part of an economic development expansion agreement with New York State and New York City governments by which the company committed to invest $1 billion in the city over the next two decades and protect and create thousands of jobs.

UTICA:  Power Authority Sponsors Canoe Classic and Foot Race— Thousands of spectators and contestants, including Power Authority employees, were expected to turn out for two big Central New York summer events sponsored by NYPA, the Erie Canoe Classic and Utica Boilermaker Foot Race, the weekend of July 12 and 13. The Power Authority is the primary corporate sponsor of the Canoe Classic, on the 12th, and a corporate sponsor of the race the next day. The Canoe Classic, with five- and 15-mile distances, starting from Lock 20 on the canal, is one of the largest of its type in the East. The 15-kilometer Boilermaker, which kicks-off near the factory for which the race is named, saw over 12,000 runners compete last year and organizers were expecting a similar turnout for this year's event. In addition to hosting a fireworks display on Saturday evening, the Power Authority provides operational assistance and volunteers for both events.

In the Community:  NYPA co-sponsored Massena's 2003 Downtown Car Show and Block Dance featuring classic cars from all over the North Country. A musical performance by the Jefferson County C-Cruisers was sponsored by NYPA, July 5.…The Power Authority sponsored a community reception at its Niagara Power Project visitors center in Lewiston for artists who are participating in Art on Wheels, an exhibition on display at sites throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region, June 29. The exhibition, which features 57 original sculptures and cars that have been turned into works of art, will be available for viewing until October.…An exhibit on the Niagara Project visitors center was set up at the Clarence Travel Plaza on the New York State Thruway as part of the I Love New York Main Street Festival, June 28-29.