Archive: News

To protect the property taxpayers in the Town of Lansing and the Lansing School district, Senator Michael Nozzolio announced today he is sponsoring legislation (S.6842) that will enable the AES Cayuga plant to reopen, and once again contribute to the local tax base.

“Up until very recently, hundreds of local residents were employed at the AES Cayuga plant and the facility generated millions of dollars in revenue to support our property taxpayers,” said Nozzolio. “Unfortunately, the loss of tax payments from the AES Cayuga plant requires the property taxpayers of Lansing to assume enormous tax consequences.”

This proposed legislation recommends the establishment of a power purchase agreement with the New York State Power Authority to ensure that the AES Cayuga plant reopens and remains operational for a minimum of three years. The AES Cayuga plant has not been operational since the end of 2011 and the company is now in bankruptcy proceedings, stranding property taxpayers by taking millions of dollars off the tax base.

“The AES Cayuga plant has contributed significantly to the economy of the region through annual payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements that have annually contributed millions of dollars to the Lansing School district, the Town of Lansing and Tompkins County,” said Nozzolio.

“On behalf of the Town of Lansing I want to thank Nozzolio for his efforts to keep AES Cayuga operational.  The closing of AES would have a substantial impact on Tompkins County, the Town of Lansing and the Lansing Schools.  Nozzolio learned of the difficulties facing AES in the Fall of 2011 and has worked toward a positive outcome for all involved.  We truly appreciate all of his efforts,” said Lansing Town Supervisor Kathy Miller.

“Our school district has already undergone tremendous financial challenges as we have absorbed these losses through a balance of budget reductions and property tax levy increases. The success of the AES Cayuga Power Plant is critical to the success of the Lansing Central School District.  Without the Plant, we will be faced with devastating consequences that would change the essence of our school and community,” said Lansing Central Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephen Grimm.

“AES Cayuga has been a major source of tax revenue for the past 50 years and its downturn has had a major negative effect on Tompkins County and the Town of Lansing in particular. I would like to thank Nozzolio for his initiative on this issue,” said Tompkins County Legislator Pat Pryor.

The legislation would direct the energy that is purchased from the AES Cayuga plant to supplement the State’s ReCharge NY program, a major statewide initiative that Nozzolio worked with Governor Cuomo to implement. The ReCharge NY program allocates low-cost power to New York State employers and manufacturers.

“It is important that we maintain investments in our infrastructure that help to improve and strengthen our economy,” said Senator  Nozzolio. “Ensuring the ongoing operation of the AES Cayuga plant will protect our property taxpayers, while retaining good jobs right here in our region.”

v8i18