N.Y. POWER AUTHORITY APPROVES PLAN WITH VERIZON TO BOOST CELLPHONE SERVICE IN SCHOHARIE VALLEY

For Immediate Release: 09/29/15

Contact: 
Maura Balaban | Maura.Balaban@nypa.gov | (914) 390-8171

Agreement Addresses Communication Issues Highlighted During Tropical Storms Irene and Lee

WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced it had finalized an agreement with Verizon that will improve cellular communications in the Schoharie Valley. The agreement paves the way for Verizon to install communications equipment on three towers along the Route 30 corridor, boosting cell phone coverage between the towns of Middleburgh and Grand Gorge.

“Following the storms of 2011, the Power Authority recognized that we needed to build in more redundancy to our communications at our Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Plant. This agreement is part of those improvements,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and chief executive officer. “This project, which has been several years in the making, represents a critical step forward in the community’s ability to respond to emergencies.”

NYPA is committing an estimated $3.5 million for the improvements. The agreement, which was ratified today by the NYPA Board of Trustees, is contingent on approval from the New York State Comptroller’s office.

NYPA operates its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Plant in the area, which generates more than 1 million kilowatts of electricity in peak demand periods by drawing water from Schoharie Creek and recycling it between two huge reservoirs.

The improvements will affect an area devastated by flooding from the creek during Tropical Storms Irene and Lee in 2011. During the storms, first responders were hampered when much of the region’s infrastructure, including landline communications equipment, was damaged by flooding.

As part of the improvements, a $500,000 contract was recently awarded to Centerline Communications, of Raynham, Mass., for the construction of a 260-foot tower near the Power Authority’s upper reservoir in Gilboa to support the Verizon equipment.

Under the terms of the agreement, Verizon will outfit three communications towers with microwave and transceiver equipment, including two existing towers, one on Dave Brown Mountain Road in Blenheim and one off Clauverwie Road in the hamlet of Breakabeen. The NYPA tower, to be constructed by Centerline, replaces a smaller tower used to communicate equipment readings from the upper reservoir to plant staff.

In addition to NYPA’s support for the Verizon towers, the State is also ensuring that consumers have affordable telephone service through a comprehensive examination of the telecommunications industry in New York by the Department of Public Service (DPS).

DPS is examining trends in voice, video and broadband services and reviewing different technologies such as copper, fiber, cable and wireless networks. The Department’s regulatory interests include, among other things, the maintenance of public safety communications, including the provision of advanced next-generation E911 to all New Yorkers, reliable, resilient and open network architecture, affordable rates, service quality standards, universal service and consumer protections.

QUOTES BY OTHERS:

“Expanding wireless technology to rural areas is a key component to fostering business opportunities, upgrading emergency communications, and enhancing overall quality of life. The agreement between Verizon and NYPA will lead to crucial communication improvements that will fill a major void in the Schoharie Valley,” said State Senator James L. Seward.

“This is a very positive first step in response to challenges presented during Tropical Storms Irene and Lee,” said Assemblyman Pete Lopez. “This very thoughtful proactive project sets the stage for developing a broader network that would serve communities in the Northern Catskills who need cell services for emergency response as well as daily activities. The partnership with Verizon and the concept of wireless broadband is something I have been advocating for three years, not only for current residents but also for greater tourism in the region. I commend NYPA President Quiniones on his leadership and compassion for the community; he was personally on-site when disaster struck and he understands how important this initiative is. I look forward to continued partnership with NYPA as we expand the network.”

“My residents have been asking for good coverage since Tropical Storms Irene and Lee, when phone service was down,” said Anthony Van Glad, supervisor, Town of Gilboa. “This is a home run for the safety of all Schoharie Valley residents.”

“This project will lay the groundwork to solidify cellular communications along the Route 30 corridor between Middleburgh and Grand Gorge. Getting cell phone service in the Town of Blenheim is something that we have worked on accomplishing for years, and it is finally becoming a reality. We are appreciative of NYPA's commitment to this project and look forward to future cooperation efforts between the town and NYPA. Obtaining cell coverage from Middleburgh to Grand Gorge is a big win for not only the town of Blenheim, but for all of Schoharie County,” said Shawn Smith, supervisor, Town of Blenheim.

 

About NYPA
NYPA is the nation's largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. Follow @NYPAenergy on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, YouTube, and LinkedIn.