Officials mark Greenidge groundbreaking

DRESDEN--Congressman Tom Reed (R -- Corning) joined with elected leaders and officials from around the region to mark the reactivation of the Greenidge power plant in Dresden during a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 18.
"We care about creating quality, family sustaining jobs in our region, meeting the energy needs of families and small businesses and keeping local taxes in check. Reactivating this plant achieves these goals," said Reed. "We came together with local, state and federal leaders to get this project off the ground because it was the right thing to do for the hard working men of women of our region. Today, we celebrate the positive results from those efforts."
Reed was joined by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I -- Corning), Chairman of the Yates County Legislature Dr. Tim Dennis, Yates County Legislators Daniel Banach, Terry Button and Jim Smith, Plant Manager Dale Irwin, Michael Linehan of the Finger Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Regional Field Advisor of the New York State Farm Bureau Skip Jensen.
"The steps being taken by Greenidge and the State of New York will make a substantial positive impact on Yates County, which has long welcomed this plant as part of our community," said Dennis. "We look forward to bringing the plant back on line and all the jobs and revenue that means."
The power plant, which has received all federal and state regulatory permit approvals, will generate electricity using natural gas and biomass. Construction to convert the facilities at the plant is now underway. Reed said the repowering will have a significant impact on the local economy, as the plant will generate substantial increases in tax revenue, offsetting some of the burden for taxpayers. The officials expect the plant to be operational again early next year.
The activity was met with an array of support from several local leaders.
"The restart of the Greenidge Power Plant is much anticipated and welcomed. It is an important component in the growing economic activity in Yates County," said Smith, Yates County legislator, district 2, town of Torrey. "The Greenidge restart will provide important employment opportunities and support of local businesses and the increased tax revenues will help our local schools and governments."
Village of Dresden Mayor William Hall said the village board is very happy to see the pipe line project starting, adding they are looking forward to working with Greenidge as the projects progress.
"It's everything we hoped it would be -- putting people back to work and in the most environmentally friendly manner possible, and we look forward to Greenidge starting to generate much needed tax revenue for local municipalities," said Finger Lakes Economic Development Council (FLEDC) CEO Steve Griffin in a statement.