Councilman Connors resigns

HORTONVILLE, NY — Effective on May 1, Town of Delaware Councilman Kevin Connors resigned from the town board. The board decided not to replace Connors but to wait for the next election in November to obtain a replacement.

Connors resigned because he moved out of the area.

Susquehanna River Basin Commission sets broad regulation standards

HARRISBURG, PA — The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has set regulations on water use by gas drilling companies within the river basin. According to the regulations, a gas drilling company must seek permission to utilize consumptive water use (water that is not returnable, as in a golf course) of 20,000 gallons per day or more during any consecutive 30-day period. For other uses, it must seek permission for water withdrawals of 100,000 gallons per day or more during any consecutive 30-day period.

In addition, SRBC has informed companies that it has the authority to make an across-the-board determination that well development activities may require approval regardless of the amount of water used. It can exercise this authority if it determines the water-using activity may affect interstate water quality, may have a significant effect on SRBC’s Comprehensive Plan, or may have an adverse, cumulative, or interstate effect on the basin’s water resources.

Hinchey bill would compel oil companies to develop already-leased land

WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to ensure U.S. domestic oil and gas supply increases, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), along with several colleagues, has introduced legislation designed to compel oil companies to utilize the 68 million acres onshore and offshore that they have already leased, but not used to produce energy.

“With nearly 68 million acres of on-shore and off-shore public land already leased for oil and gas drilling untouched by the energy companies who hold those leases, it’s time for Republicans and oil company executives to stop making the false claim that the U.S. is not making enough land available for energy production,” Hinchey said. “Oil corporations are trying to take control of as much land now during the oil-friendly Bush administration years, but are holding off on drilling to help drive up the price of oil to $200 or $300 a barrel so that they can make even greater profits.”

Currently, of the 47.5 million acres of federal lands leased onshore by oil and gas companies, only about 13 million acres are actually producing oil and gas. Offshore, only 10.5 million of the 44 million leased acres are currently producing oil or gas. It is estimated that developing these properties could nearly double total U.S. oil production, equaling more than six times the estimated potential peak production from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Senate gives thumbs-up to Cappelli incentives

ALBANY, NY — The New York State Senate has passed a bill that would provide millions of dollars in incentives for Westchester developer Louis Cappelli to build a $1 billion resort at the site of the former Concord in Kiamesha Lake.

The bill makes the incentives contingent upon Cappelli investing $1 billion in his development of the project, including the creation of at least 2,000 fulltime jobs. The deal calls for Cappelli to contribute the greater of $38 million or 25 percent of his gaming revenues to New York State education, compared to approximately 42 percent for other similar venues.

Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan F. Rouis said in a written statement, “Today is a great day. We are absolutely delighted and pleased to hear that after a decade of waiting, we are finally starting to see real movement and progression on this project.” A vote on the bill in the assembly is expected before the conclusion of the current session.

Another life lost in the river

SPARROWBUSH, NY — The Delaware River claimed another life on Saturday, June 14 when 25-year-old Serge Bien-Aime of Westtown, NY lost his footing when trying to make it across the river near Eddy Farm and was pulled under by rapids. Bien-Aime and a friend had been cliff-jumping on the Pennsylvania side of the river, before attempting the crossing. It is believed Bien-Aime may have struck his head when he fell. The friend attempted to help him but became exhausted and made his way to the New York shore to get help.

The rescue response was rapid. A rescue call was made at 5:33, and by 5:53 volunteer diver/EMT Daniel Sain had gone into the river and recovered the body. However, attempts to resuscitate the victim failed.

Two Sullivan groups receive arts grants

ALBANY, NY — State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C - Mount Hope) has announced that two Sullivan County Arts organizations will receive state funding totaling $104,500.

“Supporting the arts of our region is in everyone’s best interest. It is important to the economic vitality and cultural diversity of our communities,” Bonacic said.

The groups receiving funding are the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, which will get $94,200, and the Weekend of Chamber Music, Inc., which will get $10,300.

“Our region boasts a long tradition of promoting the arts and enriching our culture that we can all be proud of. I always have and will continue to support the local groups that do such an excellent job helping to make our area a colorful place to live and visit,” said Bonacic.

For more information on arts grants visit www_nysca.org.