LEWISTON: Federal Regulators Issue Key Relicensing Document—In reviewing NYPA’s application for a new license for the Niagara Power Project, federal regulators have issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), considered a milestone in the multi-year relicensing process for the 2,400-megawatt hydroelectric facility. The Power Authority submitted its license application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last summer, along with settlement agreements it had reached with stakeholders interested in the power project’s continued operations. The resulting draft DEIS recommends adoption of NYPA’s settlements with only minor modifications to the terms. The public may view the document at NYPA’s relicensing website: http://niagara.nypa.gov . As part of the relicensing process, FERC will hold a public meeting on the DEIS on Aug. 17 at Niagara Falls High School; the afternoon session will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the evening session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. NYPA’s original license for its Niagara project will expire Aug. 31, 2007.

SYRACUSE: NYPA Promotes ‘Sustainability’ at State Fair—Sustainable energy sources and ways to be both ‘clean’ and ‘green’ will be the focus of this year’s Power Authority display at the New York State Fair, which runs from Aug. 24 to Sept. 4. NYPA will share fair space at the Verizon Center of Progress Building with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the state Public Service Commission under the joint slogan “Powerful Partners Working for New York.” On display will be samples of environmentally friendly cleaning products and equipment used in NYPA’s offices and facilities, many of which can be used in homes as well. A Toyota Prius hybrid-electric vehicle, used in NYPA’s own fleet of cars, will be on view for those interested in reducing dependency on fossil fuel while reducing personal gasoline costs. Free to those stopping by the booth is a specially designed state map that highlights local attractions in Central New York and those nearest to NYPA’s visitors centers, ideal for nearby fun-filled outings on less than a tankful of gas. For details on admission fees, hours of operations, entertainment schedules and more, visit the State Fair website at www.nysfair.org 

LEWISTON: Jazz Festival ‘Takes Five’ and Keeps On Growing— The Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival will mark its fifth anniversary this month with new attractions and activities to complement its usual jam-packed schedule that includes free musical performances, culinary samplings, wine tastings, premier antiques, classic cars and more. The Power Authority will continue its support as founding sponsor of the festival, which runs this year from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27. Co-hosts for the event, which in the past has attracted nearly 30,000 visitors who pumped more than $900,000 into the local economy, are the Village and Town of Lewiston and the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce. A Kids’ Corner will have activities and entertainment for youngsters, and there will be a variety of art workshops for youngsters and adults. Local real estate agents have also organized a series of house tours for prospective home-buyers. Full details, including a schedule of performances, can be found at www.lewistonjazz.com .

QUEENS: NYPA Sponsors New Electric Vehicle at City Park— The Civil War-era buildings at Fort Totten Park will blend with new technology as park officials work in tandem with the Power Authority to test drive a new six-passenger version of the GEM (Global Electric Motorcar) vehicle. With three rows of seats, a driving range of up to 30 miles and top speeds of 25 miles per hour, the GEM e6, as it’s called, will be on loan to NYPA from DaimlerChrysler for a month-long trial period at the 50-acre facility, part of the New York City parks system. The GEM six-seater will be used primarily to transport park officials, and the recent influx of movie location scouts who have taken a keen interest in the park’s 11 historic buildings and views of Long Island Sound. The fort dates back to 1862 and is the official headquarters of the “Statute of Liberty Division,” the U.S. Army Reserve’s 77th Division. If the trial run proves successful, GEM e6 could become a permanent fixture at Fort Totten Park, with the Power Authority’s assistance.

MASSENA: Power Authority Supports Fishing Tournament— The Power Authority will contribute $7,500 to the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce to help support the fourth annual St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament from Aug. 17 to Aug. 19. The event attracts contestants from around the North Country and beyond. “The tournament provides a great opportunity to make young fishermen and their families aware of the excellent fishing and other attractions that are available in this region,” said NYPA President Timothy Carey, noting the sponsorship is one way the Power Authority helps to promote recreation and tourism in the region around its St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project.

NORTH BLENHEIM: Doll Display Dazzles and Delights— More than 100 world-class porcelain dolls will be on display at NYPA’s historic Lansing Manor through Oct. 31. The exhibit, now in its third year, has been delighting visitors of all ages, according to Doris Crasper, a tour guide at the manor for the past 19 years. She has been collecting dolls all that time, and lends her personal collection for display at Lansing Manor. The display ranges from traditional porcelain babies to more elaborately dressed fancy ladies in period garb. They invoke a strong sense of nostalgia and fittingly complement the period décor of the historic 1819 country home.The collection features some of the most exquisite and life-like dolls in the world from such prominent companies as Ashton-Drake, Paradise Gallery and the Franklin Mint, with many valued at several hundred dollars. Lansing Manor is located on the grounds of the Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Project Visitors Center and is open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

UTICA: ‘Monday Night’ Event Has NYPA Support— The main event for “Utica Monday Night” on Aug. 14 will be a performance by the Mohawk Valley Ballet at Hanna Park at 8 p.m., sponsored by the Power Authority. This year marks the 10th anniversary of “Utica Monday Night,” a summer-long series of programs in Utica and other area towns designed to bolster evening activities and promote local artists and groups. The events are free to the public.