"New York was ahead of the curve when in 1958 it began generating clean, renewable, hydropower at the top of our great state using the mighty flow of the St. Lawrence River to power electricity for the benefit of all New Yorkers. To celebrate this milestone, Governor Andrew m. Cuomo today declared July 17, 2018 as St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project 60th Anniversary Day' in the State of New York.
I encourage all New Yorkers today to reflect on how privileged we are to have our power generated from moving naturally-available water and to take a moment to send thanks to the men and women at the project who work to keep our lights on every day. The construction of this massive project was a realized vision of Franklin D. Roosevelt that has had a tremendous impact on New York State, especially in the North Country. It has been a driving force of the local economy by supporting thousands of jobs through low-cost renewable power for the past six decades. I commend the men and women working at New York Power Authority today and those who came before us for their expert management of this great facility. We look forward to its continued contribution to Governor Cuomo's nation-leading renewable energy goals into the future."
Located along the St. Lawrence River, the New York Power Authority's St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project was built on the premise that the hydroelectric power generated on the St. Lawrence River should remain in the hands of the people of New York. The project, which first made power on July 17, 1958, was the first large hydroelectric plant in New York State and contributes, along with NYPA's other generating plants as well as additional power purchases, up to 25 percent of New York State's energy, the bulk of which is clean, renewable hydroelectric power.
To view Governor Cuomo's St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project 60th Anniversary Day Proclamation, click here.
For pictures of the project, click here and here.
For two-minute historical footage of first power, click here
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. 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. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.
Contact: Maura Balaban | (914) 681-8171 media.inquiries@nypa.gov
