The Bulletin -- Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 (#964)
Program:
Adore Kurtz — Executive Director, County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency
The County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is an industrial development agency created in 1971. Its take ownership of community projects and then lease them back to companies who facilitate day-to-day operations. The main draw: IDAs are able to provide tax benefits to the companies.
Traditional Projects generally create jobs and add value to the community. A few of these include Consumer Square, Novabus, Bombardier and Noble wind power projects.
Innovative Projects include the transition of the Air Force Base into community projects. Adore notes that The Development Corp. made a commitment early not to get involved in PARC’s day-to-day operation and has kept this promise. They also undertook the challenge of providing natural gas to the Peru School District.
Tax Effects: School districts love PILOT programs and Beekmantown is one of the largest districts to benefit from this revenue. PILOTS go directly to school districts resulting in lower tax rates. Conversely, some towns are resistant because many IDA projects are not on the tax roles.
2008/2009 Major Issues:
Saranac Power Partners Natural gas is the back bone of economic development in our area. Since 1993, natural gas has been available to many locations in Clinton County. This $325 million dollar project has offered many great side benefits to our community. The CCIDA is unsure about the future of Saranac Power Partners as NYSEG will not enter into a new contract with the co-gen plant The Development Corporation will conduct a study to research the plant’s conditions and evaluate financial issues. Adore said they hope to reach a consensus where residents and communities get the payments they need and the companies keep the jobs and resources local.
Local Labor: Most of CCIDA’s projects involve the use of local labor. However, several projects have been built largely by outside general contractors. The CCIDA’s Board of Directors believes in the use of local labor and providing jobs for the work force. They are finding ways in the coming year to further facilitate this. The CCIDA is also searching for ways to ensure workers are paid fair wages.
Q: If NYSEG doesn’t want to… (Inaudible)
A: Saranac Power Partners believe it will have to change their plant’s structure. It’s hard to forecast the extent of the change, but the continued operation of that plant is very important to our community.
Q: Will the windmill projects present the same problem in 15 years?
A: Probably not. They are now factor in decommissioning costs to the projects, though it can be said that wind turbines have less costs associated with them in general.
Q: Can you describe some of the short and long term problems with the turbines?
A: Wind turbines accomplish two things: greener power and tax advantages. NY State’s goal is to have 25% of its power generated by alternative means. Luckily much of this is generated downstate. The credit crunch is causing a problem for large scale projects. The Noble projects in Clinton County are complete already so they won’t experience as many issues as other places such as the projects in Franklin County where slower implementation is expected.
Q: How many people work at Saranac Power Partners?
A: Only 24-25 people, but the value of that gas line is tremendous.
Q: Who owns the pipeline?
A: It is a Saranac Power Partner affiliated company called North Country Gas Pipeline.
Announcements:
Happy Thoughts:
New Members: Dr. Jay Stein , sponsored by Anne Hansen.
Guests: Sue Matton (Collin Read); Lois Lynch (Harney Davey); Jack Bacque (Bob Frenyea); Aaron Tourville(John Fuller); Bill Meconi (Jack Dee); Mike Tumbarello (Rosemary Souza-Botten)
Visiting Rotarians: Al Dunham (Lake Placid); John Fuller (Norwich, CT); Bob Anthony (Salem, MA); Nick Pope.
Auction Item: Kevin Killeen auctioned two tickets to Saturday’s hockey game. Retail $10 each, sold for $22 to Amy Asadorian. Jack Dee auctioned a few golf shirts. Retail $15 each, sold for $20 to Paul Sands and $15 to Jody Carpenter.
Fines:
50/50: The pot today was $1,500 and Paul Sands drew the 5 of Clubs.
Make-ups: none
Another candle burning for:
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
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Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008
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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008
