The Federal EPA has concluded that a draft report on the environmental impacts of the proposed Constitution Pipeline is “insufficient,” and that a potential option of locating the line along I- 88 has not been fully evaluated.  The EPA is calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the pipeline planners, the state DOT, the Federal Highway Administration and other agencies to meet to discuss the I-88 proposal, which does not have the necessary detailed environmental impact information.  Initial plans call for the pipeline to run along the I-88 corridor from Pennsylvania to Schoharie County with 4 “Taps” along the route, one of  those taps allow natural gas to come off the pipeline to the new Amphenol facility being built in Sidney.

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Governor Cuomo said a state program designed to boost New York’s green energy industry has helped 64 businesses. The governor’s office said more than $2.2 million in job training grants have been awarded to the companies statewide. The grants are intended to pay for on-the-job training in renewable energy technology, home weatherization and other fields involving energy efficiency. More than $500,000 remains available. To apply go to nyserda.ny.gov

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New York State’s private sector job count held steady at 7,539,300 in March, an all-time high for the month, according to the state Department of Labor. Over the 12-month period ending March 2014, the state’s private sector job count has risen by 108,200, or 1.5 percent. The state’s unemployment rate went up by 0.1% to 6.9% in March, due in part to the state’s growing labor force, which expanded by 22,900 between February and March, as more state residents had confidence about finding a job

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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced that they will hold their annual induction General Clinton Regatta induction ceremony & dinner, on Saturday may 24th at the general Clinton Park in Bainbridge.  This years inductees are local contributors Ed Ray and Dave Price and racers Blaise St. Pierre, Gary Aprea, Jeff Kolka  & the late Willis Hackett.  Tickets are available online at canoeregatta.org, at the Bainbridge branch of NBT Bank or at Bob’s Diner in Bainbridge.

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Commerce Chenango announced that they will present the Distinguished Business of the Year Award to UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, the Commitment to Community award to Ann Coe, and the Young Professional award to Elizabeth Monaco of United Way. The awards will be presented at Commerce Chenango’s 55th Annual Dinner, sponsored by NBT Bank, Preferred Mutual and Frontier, on April 30th at The Silo Restaurant in Greene.

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Chobani announced that they will expand their product line beyond Greek yogurt this summer.  Starting in July, Chobani plans to offer Chobani Oats, which is yogurt mixed with fruit 7 oats; a dessert called Chobani Indulgent, and new flavors for children.  Chobani has grown quickly over the last few years since its simple beginnings in Edmeston, riding the surge of popularity of Greek Yogurt, they became the biggest US seller of yogurt in the last 2 years.

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The Sidney American Legion will be holding a benefit tomorrow for Rob Bargher’s Daughter Lizzie, at the Legion.  The event will run from Noon to 3:00 PM, with a chicken barbecue, Chinese Auction, & Gift Baskets.

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