The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has found that New York waived its water quality authority for Williams’ Constitution Pipeline, giving new life to a natural gas project stalled since April 2016 when the state DEC denied a permit.   Federal regulators have cleared the way for the Constitution pipeline project to move forward, if the company still plans to do so.  The original plans called for the pipeline to run from Pennsylvania through the Susquehanna River Valley to the Capital Region, Williams Partners appealed to federal courts after New York rejected a water quality permit over concerns for 250 streams. The project still needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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Governor Cuomo today signed legislation closing the legal loophole that allows creditors to use New York courts to secure confessions of judgment and seize the assets of borrowers for cases where the borrower has no connection to New York. Prior to this new law, creditors were able to exploit New York laws to freeze and seize a borrower’s assets by obtaining a judgment entered in a court far from where the contested agreement was executed, making it difficult for a borrower to legally contest the unfair penalty.

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The State DEC invites Public Comment about Proposal for No Further Action at the Amphenol Superfund Site on Delaware Avenue at dec.ny.gov until September 20th.  The DEC has also scheduled a public meeting on September 4th at 7:00 PM at Sidney Civic Center to discuss the proposed remedy and accept public comments.

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A recent audit of the Village of Bainbridge found only 1 issue to be cleared up, after the village had spent over $4,000 at Barnard’s Hometown Hardware, while owner Erik Barnard was serving as a Village Trustee.  Bainbridge Mayor Phil Wade comments:

(Phil Wade 8-30-19)

Mayor Wade said that Barnard submitted his resignation in July, & that there was no intentional wrongdoing, and he hoped that Barnard may revisit public service in the future.

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The State Division of Budget announced today that they are approving the State Board of Elections’ plan to distribute $10 million to county governments to support early voting implementation.  The State Budget allocated $24.7 million for assistance with implementing a series of election law reforms, including early voting. The State Board of Election’s Aid to Localities Plan can be viewed at nysac.org.

Governor Cuomo announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended now until Tuesday, at 6:00 AM, to accommodate travelers during the busy Labor Day weekend.  Governor Cuomo is urging motorists to follow the state’s Move Over Law & that state and local law enforcement will be participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement through Monday.

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11th Annual Susquehanna Balloon Festival at NEAHWA PARK in Oneonta will be held today from 5:00 to 9:00 PM & tomorrow from 3:00 to 9:00 PM.  The event features live music, vendors, entertainment, food, & Balloon Launches beginning at 6:00 pm.  More information is available at 432-2941.

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Tuffy’s Place Feline Sanctuary off Route 41 North of Afton is holding a Picnic fundraiser Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Local vendors will participate, visitors can tour Tuffy’s Place, 100% of raffle proceeds and food sales will benefit Tuffy’s Place.   More information is available at TuffysPlace.org or at 821-3643.

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The West Kortright Centre presents its 14th Annual West Kortright Fair on Sunday, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM; Admission to this event is by pay-what-you-can donation.  Scheduled activities include live music under the big tent, a rummage sale and silent auction, directions & additional information is available at westkc.org.

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