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Battle over power rights continues
Alcoa’s position on Yadkin River Trust
Thursday, July 9, 2009 — On Tuesday afternoon at the North Carolina General Assembly, Alcoa spokesman Gene Ellis spoke before the NC House Water Resources Committee, which is one of three House committees currently considering Senate Bill 967.
That legislation supports creation of the Yadkin River Trust, which would challenge Alcoa Power Generating, Inc. (APGI) for a 50-year license to operate the dams of the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project and has the support of Gov. Bev Perdue.
Ellis, a North Carolina native and Stanly County resident for more than 30 years, has been working for the past seven years on the relicensing of the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project.
“I have to tell you, I never thought I’d see the day when the State of North Carolina contemplated taking over a private business,” Ellis said.
“And that’s exactly what this State Trust bill is — the taking of a privately-owned business that Alcoa started here in 1915.”
Ellis put the cost to North Carolina at $500 million should a takeover occur.
“Some people say this bill doesn’t really do anything — it just puts a structure in place to operate the Yadkin Project if a takeover happens. But a vote to create a Yadkin River Trust is a clear indication that the General Assembly supports a government takeover despite the cost. If this bill becomes law, it will be possible for the state to pursue a government takeover,” Ellis said.
Ellis spoke to the issue of control of the water of the Yadkin River, saying: “We don’t claim to own the water... Granting Alcoa a new federal license for the Yadkin Project will not change the state of North Carolina’s ability in any way to control withdrawals of water.”
Despite believing “that we don’t believe a government takeover is possible,” Ellis estimated the cost to the state at $500 million should that occur. That total came from Alcoa’s estimated net investment of $91 million plus severance damages that Ellis said “would add hundreds of millions” to the price tag. Then, there’s $200 million of required upgrades to dams, generators and turbines that have Alcoa projecting negative cash flow for the next several years.
Addressing the idea of the state taking private property, Ellis said a survey paid for by Alcoa showed 81 percent of North Carolinians opposed o a state using taxpayer money to take over a privately-owned business while 63 percent oppose the government getting in the power business.
As to the environmental issues raised by supporters of a Yadkin River Trust, Ellis said, “The truth is, we take full responsibility for our waste sites. We’ve already spent more than $10 million on remediation efforts and have followed the direction of the state.
“If there is any evidence that Alcoa needs to be doing more to clean up these waste sites, then the state of North Carolina already has the full authority to require additional steps. Taking over the Yadkin Project won’t add to the control the state already has.”
As to the huge job losses and closure of the Alcoa smeltering plant, Ellis said, “No hydro business in America is required to support a certain number of jobs in order to receive or maintain a license.”
In his closing to the committee, Ellis said, “At the end of the day, this bill is not about protecting North Carolina’s control of the water. It is not about protecting the environment. It is not about economic development. It is about taking private property. It is about a dangerous precedent that threatens North Carolina’s business climate. It is about the $500 million burden to North Carolina taxpayers.”
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Denton man arrested for robbery
Through the quick response and coordination of regional law enforcement agencies, Jason Michael Hilton, 30, is in the Stanly County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.
Hilton robbed the First Bank in Richfield at knife-point on Monday just prior to noon. - Stanly Academy offers different learning tools
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Denton man arrested for robbery
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Brett Hamrick
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Locust bank robbery suspect faces charge from Oakboro
The Oakboro Police Department has added to the charges against a Locust bank robbery suspect.
Brett Anthony Hamrick, 50, was charged with common law robbery by the Locust Police Department in connection with the armed robbery that occurred at First Bank in Locust on Feb. 22. - Stanly County Sheriff’s Office
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Locust bank robbery suspect faces charge from Oakboro
- Sports
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South Stanly first baseman Colten Burris delivered his first home run of the season in Monday’s win.
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Rebel Bulls shut out Knights
After two tough games in near-freezing temperatures last week, the defending 1A state champion South Stanly baseball squad got into the winning column on a warmer Monday night.
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Rebel Bulls shut out Knights
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Phillips-Barger Engagement
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Phillips-Barger Engagement
Jack “Jay” and Kelley Phillips Jr. of Albemarle, announce the engagement of their daughter, Kellyn Phillips, to Ronnie Barger, son of Stephen and Mary Anne Barger of Tampa, Fla.
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Phillips-Barger Engagement
- Around Stanly County
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Huddleston says he has a worldwide vision
Lou Huddleston is one of a handful of Republicans seeking the 8th Congressional District nomination, but the 31-year Army veteran will not speak harshly of any of his opponents.
“I don’t need to point out the differences, the voters can see that themselves,” Huddleston said in an interview with the SNAP on Monday morning. - South Stanly step team competes at CIAA event
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Huddleston says he has a worldwide vision
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Showing your true colors
Team spirit was shown on Friday at many points around the county.
Local schools and individuals participated in a dress-up day to benefit the V Foundation.
By paying a minimum of $5 to the foundation, individuals were allowed to don their favorite team’s colors in anticipation of the rivalry game Saturday night between Duke and UNC. - This Week In Washington
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Showing your true colors
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Keith Pavey
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Pavey’s art displayed at Agri-Civic Center
The art of Keith Pavey is on exhibit in the lobby of the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center during March.
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Pavey’s art displayed at Agri-Civic Center
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevorlet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 7, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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Gordon Feels Fans May See More "Sparks Fly" During Food City 500 Race Weekend With Addition Of SAFER Barriers
Four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon always looks forward to racing at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he has made the trek into Victory Lane five times.
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Gordon Feels Fans May See More "Sparks Fly" During Food City 500 Race Weekend With Addition Of SAFER Barriers
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Animal treatment not justifiable, SNAP bad for coverage of it
I am writing in reference to “Badin dog owner shares her story” (Feb. 25).
Michele Cleavenger’s treatment of her “family member” cannot be justified, period.
The sad fact is that Ms. Cleavenger put her already sick dog outside in the cold, and as a result, Bubba died. - Where’s the help?
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Animal treatment not justifiable, SNAP bad for coverage of it
- Education
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SCC offers office training
Stanly Community College (SCC) is now offering a training program through the JobsNOW “12 in 6” initiative that will provide students knowledge and skills in the area of Office Clerk.
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SCC offers office training
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The Sailor of the Year award comes with the recognition of the sailor’s hometown. Earley is shown next to his plane with the recognition and marking of Frog Pond.
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Earley named Senior Sailor of the Year
Each year every command in the U.S. Navy names three enlisted members as the units’ top performers.
Recently, Scientific Development Squadron ONE of NAS Patuxent River, Md., named Petty Officer First Class Joe Earley as its Senior Sailor of the Year. - National Guard Water Rescue Training
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Earley named Senior Sailor of the Year
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