Warren, PA, Dec 03, 2010 — Forty-five years ago, the federal government built the Kinzua dam on the Alleghany River, just south of the New York border in northwestern Pennsylvania. The government said it was needed to control flooding in the Pittsburgh area.

150 families from the Seneca Nation were forcibly removed from the area. Their homes were burned and bulldozed. Their sacred longhouse and burial grounds were flooded by the rising waters.

This week, the Seneca Nation made a bid to become owner of the Kinzua dam. The federal license of the current operator, FirstEnergy of Akron, Ohio, expires in 2015. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will decide who gets a new 50-year license.

Robert Odawi Porter is the Seneca Nation president. He told David Sommerstein granting the Senecas the license to operate the Kinzua dam would correct what he calls a "grotesque injustice."  Go to full article

Massena, NY, Aug 05, 2010 — A program that boosts jobs by giving employers a break on electric bills was left out of the last minute action in the state legislature.

Power for Jobs helps support thousands of workers at hundreds of companies across the state. Funding for the program has run out, and it expired in May. Lawmakers haven't agreed on a new way to keep the supplements going. And they didn't pass a temporary extension as expected either.

One hang-up is potential loss of a small break enjoyed by ratepayers near the state's big hydroelectric facilities in St. Lawrence County. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Massena, NY, Jun 03, 2010 — The New York Power Authority delivered a big heap of hope to St. Lawrence County yesterday. State and local officials gathered in Massena to sign a contract to receive 16 million dollars and 20 megawatts of cheap power for economic development. The gift is meant to compensate for the loss of St. Lawrence River waterfront due to the Moses-Saunders hydropower dam. Wrangling among St. Lawrence County leaders delayed the payment by almost a decade. And while there's relief the fund is finally here, there's no plan yet on how to use it. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Fort Covington, NY, Sep 15, 2009 — This summer, a private contractor ripped out a century-old dam on the Salmon River in northern Franklin County. State officials said the structure was deteriorating and posed a safety hazard. The town of Fort Covington decided to remove the dam, rather than pay for costly repairs. Green groups say the project will eventually restore crucial fish and bird habitat. But two months after the work was done, a massive plug of silt and sand still clogs the river. As Brian Mann reports, many locals worry that the Salmon River could be permanently damaged.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Aug 19, 2009 — Governor David Paterson has released a draft of the new New York State Energy Plan. It will affect how we heat our homes, power our appliances, businesses, and factories, and how much it will all cost. The plan sets a goal of using 30% renewable electricity by 2015 and reducing energy usage by 15% over the same timeframe. Public hearings are being held statewide. The first one yesterday in Canton held symbolic and political significance. David Sommerstein explains why.  Go to full article

Jul 08, 2009 — On July 1st, 1958, the once wild waters of the St. Lawrence River began to rise up behind the massive Moses-Saunders hydropower dam. A year later, the river officially opened to international shipping as the St. Lawrence Seaway. We're recalling that 50th anniversary this week. But that day - now 51 years ago -- is known locally as Inundation Day. The rising water swallowed nine whole villages and hamlets on the Canadian side of the river, known today as the Lost Villages. 530 homes were moved or destroyed. 6500 people were forced to higher ground. You can still see roads that disappear into the river. Old foundations emerge when the water level drops. The memories of life before Inundation Day remain strong in today's towns on the northern banks of the St. Lawrence River. The Lost Villages Museum there brought the old days back to life recently with a Ghost Tour. As a part of our special coverage of the Seaway's 50th Anniversary, David Sommerstein went along and has our story.  Go to full article

Mar 05, 2009 — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe lashed out against Governor Paterson and the New York Power Authority Tuesday for sending low-cost hydropower to Long Island. The 9 megawatts was reserved for the Mohawks and their growing casino, which has been running on generators. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Feb 26, 2009 — The head of the New York Power Authority says he'd be "glad to talk" with a developer who wants to build a steel mill in Massena. Steel Development Company chairman John Correnti says he wants to build a $200-million rebar plant and create 200 jobs. Martha Foley reports.  Go to full article

Jan 16, 2009 — We're all shivering from the arctic cold, but village of Potsdam officials aren't complaining. Half of the Raquette River is being diverted as workers build a second hydroelectric plant in the village. The four megawatt project will bring the village new revenue and green energy when it goes online next summer. But officials worry another thaw could interfere with the project. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Nov 28, 2008 — As the financial crisis and state budget cuts buffet the already struggling economies of the North Country, look for low-cost hydropower to loom larger. The New York Power Authority produces 900 megawatts of cheap electricity at the dam on the St. Lawrence River. Alcoa buys about half of that to employ some 1300 people in Massena. North Country officials have long argued more of the power should energize businesses here rather than being sold downstate. The new CEO of the Power Authority says he's willing to listen. Richard Kessel has been on the job for about a month. He was a controversial appointment by Governor Paterson. First, because he's from downstate - Kessel ran the Long Island Power Authority from 1997 to 2006. Second, he was known for mismanagement and patronage in that job. Kessel told David Sommerstein that's behind him. He said the priorities in his new post in NYPA are to bring transparency to an agency widely known for secrecy and to help the Upstate economy.  Go to full article