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NYPA News from Northern New York


Hightlights of our activities in the region:

MASSENA—In June we’ll complete refurbishing of the 14th of 16 turbine generators at the St. Lawrence-FDR project. This 15-year, $281 million initiative will ensure that some of the least-cost electricity in the nation remains a firm support for the North Country economy for decades to come, with enhanced flexibility and efficiency. Did you know that St. Lawrence-FDR power supports more than 1,000 regional jobs?  And since first power in 1958, this renewable resource has prevented release of close to 175 million tons of greenhouse gases and avoided the need for about 550 million barrels of oil in those five decades. Completion of the turbine overhaul is set for 2013.

St. Lawrence River Research and Education Fund logoMASSENA—Clarkson and St. Lawrence universities will share funds totaling close to $60,000 for projects that will advance understanding of the St. Lawrence River’s far-ranging ecosystem. They were awarded by the St. Lawrence River Research and Education Fund (SLRREF), which NYPA established as part of the 2003 relicensing of the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project. St. Lawrence students will study water chemistry in tributaries between Ogdensburg and Akwesasne to help evaluate the impact of land use, acidification and other factors on river health. A second grant will help analyze water quality of lakes feeding into the St. Lawrence. The Clarkson grant will enable student researchers to study how changing water levels affect the St. Lawrence River’s plankton population, critical to the support of fish stock.  In four years, SLRREF has approved 16 projects for nearly $220,000 in NYPA funding, and matching grants have boosted that to about $380,000. You may review all the projects and grants at: www.nypa.gov/facilities/slrref/SLRREPProjects.html.

MASSENA—By now you’ve heard that Alcoa has announced restart of aluminum production, with the help of low-cost NYPA hydropower, at its Massena East plant–creating about 120 jobs and generating great news, of course, for the entire North Country economy. Reallocation of that power will mean winding down the temporary Power Discount Program we had put in place for nearly 3,100 regional businesses and dairy farmers. The temporary discounts are being phased out gradually this spring, after saving more than $10 million and an average of nine percent on electricity bills. Under terms of its NYPA contract, Alcoa will move ahead with plans for major investments in plant modernization at Massena East.

Potsdam—In April we announced that Casella Waste Service, Potsdam, has earned a multiyear contract to provide refuse removal and disposal at NYPA’s power project. They’re providing all containers for refuse and recyclables, and will direct hauling, landfill and disposal activities.

 

 

Check out upcoming events in the area on our regional calendar.