Improved Power Infrastructure Needed

Bundled in messages of frustration and civic pride from political leaders after the massive Aug. 14 blackout that struck the tri-state area was a call for increased supply of electrical power.

Among those was Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who urged the federal government to assist states in addressing weaknesses in the electrical grid, while adding, "We must now collectively address the issues of growing electrical demand and limited supply."

The calls for more power echo warnings issued in recent years by industry groups, including the New York Building Congress, which produces an annual "Electricity Outlook" report. In 2002, it identified an "urgent need for 2,000-3,000 megawatts of new electric capacity in New York City over the next five years…to meet projected growth in demand through 2006, to replace aging plants with cleaner, more efficient ones, and to provide a cushion of supply that will prevent dramatic increases in consumer costs."

More recently, the NYBC issued a warning last April of "clear and persistent signs that growing overall electric demand is outstripping electricity supply." Its statement noted that the New York State Independent System Operator reported this year that New York City would be able to meet its supply requirement-which was not an issue in the recent blackout-but that the forecasted demand of 11,020 MW would top the hot summer of 2001.

While the August blackout has been blamed on the failure of the grid system to prevent overloads from power swings, the NYBC has held that the lack of new plant construction could force price increases and lead to power outages from inadequate supply. But plant construction has opponents, particularly in city neighborhoods. N.Y.C. Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. of Queens has been a leading critic of plants proposed for the neighborhoods of Astoria, Long Island City, and Jackson Heights, where existing plants already produce 60 percent of the city's power.

More Federal $ Unlikely Until 2004

A spirited press conference held at the Manhattan Bridge in June by N.Y.C. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Congressmen Joseph Crowley and Jerrold Nadler, and other political leaders extended hope that New York might get $4.9 billion more in federal transportation aid.

But by late summer, excitement over enacting the proposed Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) had fizzled. Instead of the proposal that could bring $13.5 billion overall to New York State over the next six years, Congressional staff predicted simply an extension of the existing Intermodal Surface Transportation Act (ISTEA).

TEA 21 would reauthorize and replace ISTEA, which distributes most federal highway and surface transportation aid. But legislators were not expected to formally introduce TEA 21 before the expiration of ISTEA on Sept. 30, according to Justin Harclerode, deputy communications director for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

"I think we now realize that we have to seriously consider some extension options, rather than get a complete reauthorization passed before that deadline," Harclerode said. "The most likely thing is that we will get out an extension of undetermined length-six months to a year-and then refocus on a complete reauthorization bill."

Harclerode said that an extension would probably keep transportation aid at current levels.

Among the projects that city leaders cited as dependent on new federal aid were the restoration of East River and Harlem River bridges, reconstruction of the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, and construction of new ferry terminals and the long-awaited Second Avenue subway.

Cheers for Bronx Filtration Plant

New York Gov. George Pataki signed legislation over the summer to allow the construction of a $1.3 billion water filtration plant at in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. New York City officials-facing a federal government mandate to filter water from the Croton Reservoir system-welcomed the decision.

The legislation, which requires a supplemental environmental review and funnels $243 million to the Bronx for park improvements, may or may not be the last chapter in a lengthy legal saga that began when the Giuliani Administration selected the site in 1999.

Port Authority Approves Goethals Bridge Project

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has approved $63 million project to rehabilitate the 75-year-old Goethals Bridge connecting Staten Island and New Jersey.

The project would start as early as April 2004 and run through 2006. It would involve removing the asphalt riding surface, rehabilitating portions of the bridge deck and structural steel, installing a new asphalt riding surface, and replacing deck joints, storm drains and sidewalks along the 7,100-foot-long bridge.

Redesigning N.Y.C. Bridges

Manhattan-based Urbitran has undertaken several design and engineering assignments in the New York City area, including rehabilitation for eight bridges connecting Manhattan to the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. Urbitran's role includes inspection services, load ratings, construction staging, deck evaluations, and traffic management. Construction on the $42-million project would run through 2007, and includes bridges connecting to Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Terminal Market.

Urbitran is also providing engineering for a major project to apply protective coating to the Queensboro bridge connecting Manhattan and Queens.

Work Complete at Niagara Falls Park

A $44-million rehabilitation project at Niagara Falls State Park wrapped up over the summer. New York Gov. George Pataki announced the completion, which brought a refurbished observation tower, opening of the new Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, an upgraded visitor center, and improved dining facilities, attractions, activities, and retail shops.

The project's centerpiece was a two-phase $24 million observation tower overhaul to provide greater access to the lower Niagara Gorge and Maid of the Mist boats. The structural upgrades included installing four new high-speed elevators and replacement of the observation deck. Founded in 1885, the 400-acre recreational area is the nation's oldest continuously operated state park.