St. Lawrence Valley development agency dealt blow

Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s press release screams in capital letters: “THE NORTH COUNTRY HAS BEEN LET DOWN BY GOVERNOR PATERSON.”

After a couple years of negotiation and internal battles, St. Lawrence County officials thought they had a deal with NYPA to use money from the long-defunct aquarium project and 20 megawatts of low-cost power to start an economic development fund.  They were assured Governor Paterson would sign off on the deal.

Turns out eleventh hour legal obstacles have put the St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency on hold.  According to the Watertown Daily Times, local officials appeared genuinely shocked.

River Agency Chairman Robert O. McNeil could not be reached for comment Wednesday night, but had said early Wednesday afternoon that the contract still was on target for the governor’s approval.

County Administrator Karen M. St. Hilaire said she hopes the power contract still can move forward.

“I think everyone thought everything was OK,” she said. “It wasn’t until today that people understood there were legal issues, but at this point they’re determined to go back and fix those issues.”

NYPA CEO Richie Kessell says he’s still committed to the project, and will take it up with the incoming Cuomo Administration.

But with so many problems facing the state, it’s hard to imagine it will get immediate attention.

Tags: nys budget, poltics