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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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APD investigates woman’s death
Albemarle Police Depart-ment is conducting a death investigation after responding to an emergency medical call at the magistrate’s office Tuesday.
At 9:33 a.m., a medical call was received from the magistrate’s office. An APD officer responded along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel - Missing child found moments after alert issued
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APD investigates woman’s death
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Fair opens tonight
Rides, games, music and more hit the Stanly County Fairgrounds tonight in the form of the 76th annual Stanly County Fair, sponsored by American Legion Post 76. This year, the rides will be put on by J&J Amusements.
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Albemarle, North renew their rivalry
The last season that the North Stanly football program enjoyed a victory over rival Albemarle was back in 1993, when the Comets blanked the Bulldogs 20-0.
Jack Gaster was in his first year as head coach of Albemarle with a squad that year that had just seven seniors, compared to Dick Gresham’s squad that had 16 seniors - The rules not found in print are open to varied analysis
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Smith-Bowman Engagement
Ceb Sidney Smith of Stanfield and Starla Thomas Smith of Albemarle announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Marie Smith of Stanfield to Zachary Floyd Bowman of Stanfield, son of Floyd Bowman of New London and Lisa Morrison Bowman of Stanfield.
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Goody’s makes its return to Albemarle
The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Wednesday for the re-opening of Goody’s in Albemarle.
A large crowd was in attendance for the 9 a.m. opening.
“I’m very excited. Looks like we have a great turnout. Hopefully we’ll have some great success here,” Store Manager Randy Roberts said - Kissell helps open new development
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Five effective study skills for successful school year
The first day back to school can be a source of anxiety for both children and parents as they adjust to new routines, new teachers and friends, forthcoming homework assignments and, ultimately, tests.
To help parents and students kick-start the new school year successfully, Sylvan Learning-Albemarle offers five critical steps to help families make learning fun and easy. - Support the fair
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Stanly Health Services conducts back-to-school backpack drive
The employees of Stanly Health Services collected 139 backpacks for children in need across Stanly County.
Staff members from Stanly Regional, Stanly Manor, Stanly Medical Services, Home Care of the Carolinas and Alliance Medical, Inc. were encouraged to participate in the month-long campaign by dropping off new backpacks in large green bins located at each facility. - 11-year-old gets hair cut for Locks of Love
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Boat safe, boat sober
The end of summer is quickly approaching. One of the last big weekends for boating is the Labor Day holiday.
All of us want to go on the water and have fun with our family and friends, but there are a few things we need to always keep in mind. - We should be pro-business
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Boat safe, boat sober
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Guard Soldiers Return from Iraq
RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina National Guard’s 113th Finance Detachment, 130th Financial Management Company, headquartered in Siler City, returned after deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom in October 2009 to North Carolina at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in Raleigh Aug. 19.
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Fair arrives in town
The 76th Stanly American Legion Post #76 Agricultural Fair Inc. Presents J&J Amusements. Fun for the whole family. September 2-Monday, September 6 at the Stanly County Fairgrounds.
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