Cuomo Signs Legislation Allowing Land Swap with O&R

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law legislation authorizing a land swap between Orangetown and Orange & Rockland Utilities for a local power project.

The bill passed the State Senate in March and the Assembly May 3.

O&R was able to continue work on the structures with a revocable license granted by the town of Orangetown. The transition structures will allow O&R to tap an existing overhead 138kV transmission line to feed power to its new substation on Corporate Drive. They are crucial part of O&R's $30 million substation and transmission line project, which is meant to expand and improve electrical service for local residents and businesses.

"We can thank the cooperation of Orangeburg residents and community leaders for helping us reach this resolution," O&R President and CEO Bill Longhi said through a press release. "Through sustained dialogue, we were able to address their concerns and still move forward with a project that brings better service to residents and extraordinary potential for growing area business.

"I'm also appreciative of the strong leadership exhibited by Orangetown Town Supervisor Paul Whalen. Along with the town board, Paul exercised a great deal of support throughout this process."

The legislation was co-sponsored by Senator David Carlucci (D-New City) and Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern), who will join O&R Vice President of Operations James Tarpley in discussing the passing of the law and its benefits for local businesses Monday in Orangeburg.

"The land swap idea would never have become a reality without the steadfast efforts of Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee and State Senator David Carlucci," Longhi said. "When things looked uncertain, our two champions in the legislature proved time and again that they were concerned, capable and effective. We are grateful to them for their support and perseverance, and to Governor Cuomo for his endorsement of this plan."

The substation and transmission line project is expected to produce new tax revenues for Orangetown and supply power for local business expansion such as one currently planned by Verizon Wireless for its Orangeburg facility.