MASSENA: NYPA Board Ratifies Alcoa Agreement in Principle—The NYPA Board of Trustees has taken an important step toward a formal contract with Alcoa for the aluminum manufacturer’s continued receipt of low-cost hydropower at its two Massena facilities and long-term commitment to Northern New York. The trustees, meeting in White Plains on Jan. 29, ratified an Agreement in Principle for the continued supply of hydropower to Alcoa from the Power Authority’s St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project here. The company would commit to retain 1,065 jobs initially at its Massena operations and at least 900 jobs over a 30-year contract term beginning on July 1, 2013. It would also invest about $600 million for a major modernization and overhaul of its Massena East smelter. “Few assets in the North Country are of greater importance to the region’s economy than the St. Lawrence-FDR project, whose low-cost electricity has been integral to Massena’s aluminum manufacturing industries since the project began harnessing the power of the St. Lawrence River in 1958,” said Roger Kelley, NYPA president and chief executive officer. “The Agreement in Principle announced in December by Governor Spitzer reflects the extraordinary value of this power for preserving jobs and promoting investment, and puts us on solid footing for a new long-term contract with Alcoa.” Kelley noted a new contract would, for the first time, establish fixed job commitments in return for the power.

BROOKLYN: Transit System Tests Nitrogen-Inflated Tires— The Power Authority has begun a program to evaluate the effect of high-purity nitrogen inflation in the tires of 285 buses operating out of New York City Transit’s Flatbush Bus Depot here. NYPA staff helped to design and configure the system and installed all equipment. The Power Authority funded the program and will manage the testing through March. Previous tests have demonstrated that nitrogen inflation improves fuel efficiency by 3 to 6 percent, increases tire life 20 to 40 percent, maintains tire pressures longer and reduces tire failures and maintenance. Nitrogen-filled tires also run cooler and, by reducing tire moisture, the gas acts to lower penetration of rust and corrosion over time. If New York City Transit adopts the new system, anticipated annual savings include $225,000 in reduced fuel costs; about $8,000 from postponing tire replacements; and additional savings from reduced maintenance.

LEWISTON: Power Vista Installs High-Tech Teaching Tools— New high-tech audio-visual equipment is available for school groups and organizations using NYPA’s free facilities at the Power Vista, the Niagara Power Project Visitors Center. Recent installations in the center’s classroom include: a SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard, allowing for multi-media presentations on a screen of more than 6 feet, alongside two 37-inch LCD monitors and an optional 10-foot screen for further viewing space. The entire room is supported with surround-sound audio. The facility’s enhanced community room now offers four wall-mounted 42-inch LCD monitors, an improved sound system, wireless microphones and source inputs for content provided through DVD/VHS players and laptop computers. A high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system as well as energy-efficient doors and windows were also installed, allowing for year-round use of the room. The admission-free Power Vista opened in 1963 and has welcomed more than 6.5 million visitors. Features include 50 state-of-the-art interactive exhibits on energy, electricity and local history. Educational programs are offered at no charge for students at all grade levels. NYPA also sponsors special events year-round at the Power Vista.

LEWISTON: First Greenway Dollars Awarded From Relicensing— A total of $2.6 million has been awarded for projects related to the restoration of several areas within Niagara Falls State Park and of the Gorge trails overlooking the Niagara River. The funds are part of agreements resulting from the relicensing of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project. They were presented during a meeting of the New York State Parks Standing Committee, which is overseeing a portion of the funds dedicated to the Niagara River Greenway. The committee includes representatives from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and NYPA. Projects and funds in this initial award include: $650,000 toward the restoration of Luna Island and Stedman’s Bluff on Goat Island; $75,000 for a planning grant to begin the Goat Island Landscape Restoration Plan; $700,000 for phase one of restoration on Three Sisters Island; $500,000 for the Whirlpool State Park Rim Trail and Overlook restoration; and $675,000 for the restoration of Niagara Gorge trails from Whirlpool State Park to Devil’s Hole State Park.

GREENE: Hydrogen Fuel Cells Compare Favorably in Study— Trucks using hydrogen fuel cells maintained a comparable performance to battery-powered trucks, while significantly reducing refueling time and maintenance costs, a manufacturer’s study has found. The Raymond Corp., of Greene, has released the initial results of its research on hydrogen fuel cells in lift trucks, and the development of indoor hydrogen fueling stations in the manufacturing environment. The company found that hydrogen fuel cells are environmentally clean, with only water and heat as byproducts; are efficient in meeting industry productivity needs; and may be a practical solution to current energy consumption concerns. Raymond’s two-year research initiative is being funded with $750,000 from the Power Authority and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The company is investing $550,000 in the project as well.