NYPA Press Release

N.Y. Power Authority Trustees Ratify Agreement on Latest 10-Year Review of 2003 St. Lawrence Relicensing Settlement Agreement

Benefits Include Support for Recreational Enhancements, Emergency Support Services, Renewable Energy Projects, Tourism and Marketing, Shoreline Stabilization, Energy Efficiency Improvements and EV Charging for North Country Communities

MASSENA—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees Tuesday approved the result of a community review of a more-than-two-decade-old landmark agreement with the St. Lawrence Local Government Task Force (LGTF) that will bring additional NYPA benefits to North Country communities in the vicinity of the Power Authority’s St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project.

The review, which began in early 2023, is the second that NYPA and the LGTF, representing host communities within the boundaries of the St. Lawrence-FDR hydroelectric project, have conducted since the 2003 relicensing of the project by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The reviews were provided for under the project Relicensing Settlement Agreement, which stipulated that they be conducted every 10 years over the 50-year term of St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project’s license, to address emerging needs and issues not anticipated at the time of the relicensing.

The agreement, ratified today, prioritizes additional NYPA funding for recreational infrastructure, emergency services, renewable energy projects, economic growth, shoreline stabilization, energy efficiency and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

“The latest 10-year review of the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project’s relicensing agreement demonstrates the New York Power Authority’s staunch commitment to working in partnership with our host communities to enhance quality of life in the North Country,” said Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “The resulting agreement of this collaborative review reflects innovative solutions and strategies for key regional priorities, including robust community infrastructure, economic vitality and clean energy. I’m delighted by our enduring partnership with the LGTF for achieving sustainable outcomes that increase the resiliency of the St. Lawrence community.”

“The St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project remains a vital force in the North Country, providing some of the most affordable hydroelectricity in New York State while strengthening local businesses and communities. The dedicated, good faith bargaining of the Local Government Task Force reflects the positive relationship between the New York Power Authority and the North Country," said Judge Cecily L. Morris, a NYPA trustee and long-time resident of St. Lawrence County. "The Local Government Task Force’s collaboration in the latest 10-year review of the Relicensing Settlement Agreement highlights the group's dedication to their communities and the North Country."

“This agreement represents a strong collaboration between NYPA and the LGTF to create lasting benefits for our communities. In the years ahead, we anticipate significant progress in sustainability, recreation, and economic opportunities, and we look forward to working closely with NYPA to bring these impactful projects to life within the St. Lawrence project boundary,” said Michael Zagrobelny, LGTF chair and mayor of the Village of Waddington. “I want to thank the members of the LGTF and member communities as we worked collaboratively through a long and deliberative process. I also want to thank NYPA President and CEO Justin Driscoll for his leadership and partnership in making this possible.” "

The LGTF includes representatives of the towns of Massena, Louisville and Waddington; the villages of Massena and Waddington; St. Lawrence County; and the Massena Central and Madrid-Waddington Central School Districts.

Key provisions of the second 10-year review agreement include the following:

Recreational Enhancements

NYPA will invest up to $5 million for improvements to existing recreational facilities of LGTF communities for initiatives recommended by the task force. The improvements will be facilitated by a Recreational Improvement Fund, which will provide $1 million annually through 2029. Beyond that support, NYPA will provide funding for repaving the parking lot at the River Course at Louisville Landing for patrons of the municipal golf course and a boat dock, install concrete pad extensions for various area boat launches, and improve multiuse public trails on NYPA property from Leishman’s Point to Barnhart Island. Planned projects also include drainage improvements near Richards Landing Dike and tree pruning for enhancing public safety along the St. Lawrence River. 

Emergency Services

Increased funding will be provided to local municipal emergency service departments. The Massena Rescue Squad, Massena Fire Department, Louisville Volunteer Fire Department, Waddington Rescue Squad, Waddington Volunteer Fire Department, and St. Lawrence County Underwater Recovery Dive Team and Hazardous Materials Response Team will each receive up to $8,000 annually to support volunteer fire and rescue operations.

Renewable Energy

NYPA will collaborate with LGTF communities to advance renewable energy projects, including solar, wind and hydroelectric power generation. Efforts will be directed toward spurring economic growth and fostering long-term community benefits from decarbonization. NYPA will also assist communities interested in pursuing Community Choice Aggregation status for their gaining greater control over energy procurement for eligible residents.

Tourism and Marketing

NYPA will contribute $25,000 annually to a marketing plan aimed at enhancing recreational and tourism opportunities throughout the greater Massena area to increase the area tax base and create jobs.

Shoreline Stabilization

The Adjoining Landowners Stabilization Plan (ALSP) program will receive $1.4 million in funding for continuation of the initiative, which supports landowners with shoreline properties abutting the St. Lawrence project boundary. Once the funds are fully utilized, NYPA will continue to provide $125,000 annually, to 2032, for shoreline stabilization.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

NYPA will allocate up to $1.5 million for energy efficiency upgrades in municipal buildings of LGTF communities, to be expended by December 2031 ahead of the next 10-year Relicensing Settlement Agreement review. Projects will be prioritized based on the results of a comprehensive energy efficiency assessment undertaken by NYPA. 

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure

NYPA will purchase up to 17 EV chargers for LGTF municipalities and install additional chargers at select NYPA-owned recreational facilities by St. Lawrence, aligned with New York State’s transition to clean, sustainable transportation.

Relicensing Settlement Agreement

The Relicensing Settlement Agreement with the LGTF, entered into in 2002, included a $115 million community enhancement fund for the six municipalities and two school districts comprising the LGTF. The historic agreement was part of a Comprehensive Relicensing Settlement Accord filed with FERC in 2003 that helped pave the way for the St. Lawrence project’s relicensing. NYPA committed to support economic, environmental, recreational and cultural benefits under agreements with the task force, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders. 

Under Northern New York Proceeds, NYPA makes funding awards to eligible businesses and institutions by applying net earnings from sale in the wholesale energy market of unallocated St. Lawrence Economic Development Power. 

The Power Authority built the St. Lawrence-FDR Project, its first generating facility, beginning in 1954 and first produced electricity in 1958. The project’s 16 generating units produce 820,800 kilowatts of electricity, more than enough to light a city the size of Washington, D.C. NYPA, as a major employer in the region, has built thousands of acres of public parkland along the St. Lawrence River for recreational enjoyment and wildlife preservation. 

###

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.