NYRI touts economic benefits of power line
Submitted by Master Admin on Tue, 06/17/2008 - 2:35pm.
Threats to the Catskills
In an effort to convince hostile communities of its apparent benefits, the huge power line proposed for our region says it will pay some $37.2 million in property taxes.
New York Regional Interconnect recently sent a letter to counties, municipalities and school districts along its 190-mile route outlining the estimated millions in taxes and lower electric rates its says the 10-story-tall power lines would bring.
The eight counties that would be sliced by NYRI all oppose the power line.
But while NYRI touts property tax benefits, opponents have said the line would actually lower land values. NYRI has also asked the federal government for reimbursement for construction costs, which would be passed to ratepayers.
NYRI president sends letters to officials along proposed route
Submitted by Master Admin on Tue, 06/17/2008 - 2:35pm.
ALBANY - New York Regional Interconnection President Chris Thompson says most of the public officials along the proposed routes of the power line his company wants to build won’t talk to him when he asks to discuss the project face to face.
So, he has now sent a letter to all of the officials – municipal and school district – telling them of what he perceives to be the benefits of the 190 mile long line from Oneida County to Orange County.
“Principally that includes reducing the energy rates, but additional benefit that I think is very important, especially to the people along the selected final route, is the substantial property taxes that would be paid by the project,” he said. “The project from day one has always said we are prepared to pay the full property tax evaluations; we’re not looking to negotiate any sort of discounts or PILOT programs or anything.”
Thompson said the power line would pay over $37 million in taxes annually.
Taxes would range, according to their chart, from a high of $7.7 million to Washingtonville to a low of $2,410 to Gloversville-Mt. Upton.
Power Line Could Mean Millions For Communities
Power Line Could Mean Millions For Communities
Story Created: Jun 12, 2008 at 11:45 PM EDT
Story Updated: Jun 12, 2008 at 11:45 PM EDT
By WBNG News
If a proposed, and highly opposed, power line ends up coming through the area.
New York Regional Interconnect wants to build a nearly 200 mile, high voltage power line through Upstate New York.
In a recent letter from NYRI President Chris Thompson, he says economic advantages would come in the form of reduced electricity rates and hundreds of jobs during its construction.
He also says NYRI will make property tax payments yearly to host municipalities and school districts.
That would be worth an estimated $37.2 million annually.