Governor Cuomo announced the availability of $20.5 million to aid farmland protection efforts and help prevent viable agricultural land from being converted to non-agricultural use. Eligible entities can apply for individual grants with the Application materials and webinar information available for download at agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS or at 1-800-554-4501.
—————
25-year-old Brandy Bousson of Norwich pleaded guilty in Chenango County Court on Monday to 3rd degree burglary, a class D felony. Bousson was sentenced to 6 months in the Chenango County Jail plus 5 years probation, she was credited with time served and was released. Bousson was accused of breaking into Mayhood’s sporting goods January 6th & stealing over 30 guns & ammunition along with Christopher Gonzalez, who was found dead of hypothermia several days later after the burglary.
——————————————
A state panel implementing the Start-Up New York program voted Tuesday to include Hartwick College in Oneonta as potential Tax free business sites. The Oneonta zone would be 1.15 acres of vacant land at Hartwick College, any business that would move into that site would have all taxes waived, including sales and use taxes, real estate and property transfer taxes and local personal income taxes, Eligible businesses must be a new company in New York state, an out of state business locating here, or an expanding business. They must also create jobs in the first year and their business activities should align with the mission of the college or university.
——————————————
New York will consider whether to bid on the 2024 Olympics. Talks between Governor Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will continue about whether to bid for the summer games and create an advisory committee. The U.S. Olympic Committee is expected to narrow cities for a 2024 bid in the coming months and make a decision by year’s end. New York bid but lost the 2012 Olympics to London.
————————————-
The grounds at the General Clinton Canoe Regatta in Bainbridge will be filled with rides and a variety of food concessions again this year. Regatta Chairmen John Harmon explains:
(John Harmon 5-15-14)
more than 1000 canoe racers and over 10,000 spectators are expected in the region for the 52nd General Clinton Canoe Regatta over the Memorial Day weekend.
——————————–
Nearly 100 New York lakes have issues with occasional algae blooms, according to U.S, Senator Chuck Schumer, who is calling on the EPA to set standards for toxins in lakes so the state can become eligible for federal help in combating blue green algae. Lakes in the Tri County region with blue green algae were Chenango & Echo Lake in Chenango County, plus Somerset & Titus Lakes in Delaware County. Schumer said more than a dozen countries test drinking water for toxins, but the EPA does not.
—————————————-
Federal regulators are pressing officials of the Constitution Pipeline for new information about environmental impacts as part of a move that will delay the determination on whether the project can be licensed. The authorization decision deadline had been scheduled by FERC for September 11th , but now the commission advised the pipeline company that they are required to submit new information, following new comments from the earlier impact report. FERC did not indicate how much additional time would be required.
——————————————
The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Boater Safety Course on May 31st from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The class is free to all participants, who were born on or after May 1st 1996 who are now required to complete an approved course in boater education to operate any boat or watercraft. More information or reservations are available at 337-1920.