Homepage
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.”
- Homepage
-
MIchael Parker
-
Panel dismisses Parker’s legal candidacy challenge
The challenge to the legal candidacy of Michael Parker to retain his 20A District Attorney position was dismissed unanimously by a three-member panel. The decision was announced today by the North Carolina State Board of Elections (SBOE).
- County seeks reimbursements, looks at cost saving ideas
- Gathering at Republican Headquarters becomes heated
- Child drowns
- Gathings responds to DA’s statement
-
Panel dismisses Parker’s legal candidacy challenge
- Local News
-
-
Suspects in murder case receive additional charges
Albemarle Police Department has made additional arrests of the two individuals previously charged with the April 2009 shooting death of 21-year-old Lamar Andrience Lindsey on Flake Street.
- Military Pet Outreach Network seeks to help veterans, pets in Stanly County
- Stanly County Sheriff’s Report
- Albemarle Police Report
- Absentee voting for May 4 primary has begun
-
- Sports
-
-
W. Stanly powers past Piedmont
Several powers were at work on St. Patrick’s Day as the kelly-green clad West Stanly baseball team stayed on top of the Rocky River with a 6-1 win over Piedmont.
- Gray Stone stays perfect with win over Albemarle
- Eagles’ 2010 season continues
-
- Lifestyles
-
-
Whitley celebrates 90th birthday
Marshall Whitley celebrated his 90th birthday March 10 and was honored March 6 by family and friends.
- Parker-Utter Engagement
- Mortons celebrate 60th anniversary
-
- Around Stanly County
-
-
Big turnips abundant during season in Stanly
When Krista Bailey of Norwood planted a fall garden last year to earn money to pay car insurance, little did she know that her “green thumb” would be discovered.
“I was eager to make some extra cash because I knew I would get my driver’s license in a few months,” Bailey recalled. - Youth Breakfast occurs next week
-
- Opinion
-
-
County recognized for conservation effort
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners has received a 2009 Governor’s Conservation Award from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.
The award specifically recognizes Stanly County for environmental protection leadership in its opposition to Alcoa’s (APGI) efforts to obtain a new license to operate four hydroelectric projects along the Yadkin River. - Spring has made its return
- Funding needed for big projects
-
- Features
-
-
Gray Stone mock trial team prepares for court
On October 19, 2009, Terry Jackson, an eighteen-year-old high school student, wrecked her Ford Explorer.
While Terry suffered only minor injuries, her backseat passenger was not as fortunate. - Outdoorsman’s Bonanza coming soon
-
- Nascar News
-
-
Returning Favors: There's The Rub In Racing
For fans of Penske Racing, the March 7 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway was, in the words of Charles Dickens, the best of times, and the worst of times.
Kurt Busch was first across the start/finish line to win the race, mere moments after his teammate, Brad Keselowski, went airborne and hit the retaining wall after receiving a "nudge" from Carl Edwards. - Gordon Feels Fans May See More "Sparks Fly" During Food City 500 Race Weekend With Addition Of SAFER Barriers
-
- Letters to the Editor
-
-
A caring company
Growing up I heard my granddaddy tell many stories about the years he worked for Stanly Funeral Home. He spoke fondly of the Aldridge family and their caring ways.
My granddaddy was a bi-vocational Southern Baptist minister and in 1958 he moved to Albemarle as the pastor of Dunn’s Grove Baptist Church. In the same year he also began working at the funeral home. - Filling out Census form well worth the time
- Talent Company production worth the price
-
A caring company
- Service News
-
-
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
- Guard Dedicates New Headquarters Facility in New London
-
- Entertainment
- Video Corner


