LEWISTON: Niagara River Greenway One Step Closer — An important step toward the creation of a Niagara River Greenway was taken Aug. 3 when representatives of four Relicensing Greenway Funds committees met to establish a protocol for deliberations and to review guidelines for funding future Greenway projects. The Power Authority hosted the meeting at its Niagara Power Project Visitors Center. The four committees, formed as part of the Niagara project’s relicensing settlement agreements, are responsible for oversight of funds that have been set aside by NYPA to support the creation of the new 35-mile-long Greenway along the Niagara River. In March, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a new 50-year license for NYPA’s Niagara project. The new license and associated settlement agreements will take effect on Sept. 1. The standing committees are expected to begin acting on project proposals this fall.

SYRACUSE: Come Visit Us…At the New York State Fair! — The Great New York State Fair will once again include a Power Authority exhibit booth promoting energy-efficient, environmentally positive practices for home and office. This year’s display, inside the Verizon Center of Progress, will demonstrate how NYPA “generates more than electricity” for the entire Empire State. Information will be available on the Power Authority’s operations, energy services programs, admission-free visitors centers and more. Useful giveaways and a chance at a daily raffle prize are also being offered to anyone stopping by. The State Fair runs from Aug. 23 through Sept. 3 in Syracuse. To learn more about schedules, admission fees and special events, visit: http://www.nysfair.org/fair.

WHITE PLAINS: NYPA Begins Webcasting Trustees’ Meetings — The Power Authority has begun using the Internet to video-stream its Board of Trustees’ meetings, in compliance with an executive order issued by Gov. Eliot Spitzer concerning enhanced public access to the decision-making of state agencies and authorities. While NYPA trustees’ meetings have always been open to the public, the July 31 session was the first to use webcasting to broaden citizens’ opportunities to witness these meetings live. Archival footage will also be available on the NYPA website for 30 days after a meeting. Earlier in July, meetings of two trustee working groups, on governance and audits, were also webcast live. Meetings of the New York State Economic Development Power Allocation Board also will be available on NYPA’s website. To access this service, visit www.nypa.gov and click on the “Meetings and Webcasts” link near the center of the NYPA website homepage, and then choose either the “Archives” or “Watch Live” option.

LOUISVILLE: Dike Improvements Scheduled for Wilson Hill — NYPA trustees have approved a contract for improvements at the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area, with work to begin by late summer. The Potsdam-based J.E. Sheehan Contracting Corp. will refurbish existing dikes and water control structures to enhance the natural habitat for nesting waterfowl and other animals at Wilson Hill. The $7.45 million contract also calls for construction of a new dike with a water control structure, as well as an emergency access roadway connecting the western end of Wilson Hill Island with the mainland. The 3,300-acre refuge area was developed in the 1950s during construction of NYPA’s St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project. The planned improvements are being made with input from the state Department of Environmental Conservation as part of the hydropower project’s relicensing in 2003.

LEWISTON: NYPA Main Sponsor of Jazz Festival Aug. 24-26 —  The Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival will mark its sixth anniversary on Aug. 24-26 with a packed schedule including musical performances, children’s activities, antique and vintage car shows, shopping, local food, wine tasting and more. The Power Authority will continue its support as founding sponsor. In past years, the festival has attracted nearly 30,000 visitors, driving more than $900,000 into the local economy. More details on the event can be found at www.lewistonjazz.com.

NORTH BLENHEIM: NYPA Promotes Catskills Attractions — NYPA’s second summer campaign to conserve fuel shows motorists that high gasoline prices don’t need to deter summer travel if they use NYPA’s “close to home” power project visitors centers and nearby attractions as vacation destinations. The campaign, “More Cruisin’ Less Fuelin’…No Foolin’!” promotes tourism in New York State and encourages energy-saving practices. The free-admission Visitors Center at the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project here offers many hands-on interactive exhibits on energy, the environment and local history. Free family movies in the spacious theater will be offered on Aug. 17 (Open Season) and Aug. 24 (Flushed Away). Movies begin at 1 p.m. Also on site is Historic Lansing Manor, a restored 19th century manor house, with free tours. While at the Visitors Center, pick up a free packet of information on nearby activities and energy-saving tips for a summer full of economical vacation and home energy-saving ideas. For more information, call the Visitors Center at 1-800-724-0309. To view the tourism campaign around the state, go to www.nypa.gov.