DUNKIRK – Congressman Tom Reed Thursday announced a $60,000 grant to the city of Dunkirk to help cover the cost of a redevelopment feasibility study of the NRG power plant site.
In the summer of 2018, NRG announced it would not pursue repowering the plant due to the costs involved.
According to Congressman Reed, not only have jobs been lost due to the plant not being repowered, but the loss of tax revenue has also had an impact on the Dunkirk area and required the use of state aid to cover tax losses for the city, Dunkirk School Distirct, and county. Across the three entities, $5.4 million was received in state aid for 2017.
The $60,000 grant was generated by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Reed said it will fund a study to guide the redevelopment of the site into a productive and tax-generating property and includes an assessment of the assets and liabilities of the site, market analysis, reuse strategy alternatives, and recommended actions.
James J Tunney says
Please repower the plant with natural gas. Puts people to work pays taxes and helps Dunkirk, Dunkirk Schools, and Chautauqua county. Its the best solution.