In 2017, New York State launched the County-wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI) program where each County Executive is required to convene a Panel of the elected leaders of cities, towns, and villages to develop and implement shared services to save money and minimize excess government.
In 2020 Lewis County submitted its first Shared Services Plan for 2021 in which there was a collective projected savings of $294,572.67 to coordinate LED lighting upgrades and shared IT services. After putting this Plan into action, in February 2022, four (4) municipalities who participated in the LED lighting upgrades received NYS matching funds amounting to $173,865.18 and Lewis County received a $499,668 County-wide Shared Services Initiative Project Implementation Grant to implement countywide shared IT services.
Lewis County municipalities have always taken pride in their ability to share services between local governments. By continuing to join efforts and develop programs that can be shared will benefit generations to come. This 2023 Lewis County Shared Services Plan was developed by the Panel and is poised to save municipalities an estimated $4,860,200.
Lewis County Has Teamed Up With Multiple Organizations to Bring More Childcare Options to Families
Since 2020, Lewis County has worked with a variety of agencies and organizations to identify childcare expansion opportunities. The Board of Legislators set aside $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act Funding (ARPA) to contribute towards the innovative In-home Childcare Training Program, led by Jefferson Community College, in-home childcare grants, childcare facility retention bonuses, and childcare facility staffing expansions. While these initiatives were successful, there was still a recognized void that needed attention. In June 2023, Lewis County assisted Hand in Hand Early Childhood Center with a robust application for 2023 Northern Border Regional Council (NBRC) Catalyst funding. This funding would be used to expand the existing childcare facility in Lowville, adding 2 rooms for 24 additional childcare slots and multiple new full time and part time employment opportunities. The $2,996,422.80 in awarded funds also includes the expansion of Hand in Hand into two, school districts, South Lewis Central School and Harrisville Central School. Each satellite location will add 32 childcare slots and multiple job opportunities. Thanks to innovative ideas from various partner agencies, to include Naturally Lewis, the Community Action Planning Council, Jefferson Community College, and the Lewis County School Districts, this funding will transform childcare in the region.
Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
Since 2019, Lewis County has provided technical assistance and support to the Village of Lowville in their pursuit of New York State Downtown Revitalization Funding. With the creation of an active and walkable commercial corridor, the opening of new and niche businesses, the expansion of downtown housing options, and the enhancement of recreational and quality of life amenities, the Village sees itself transforming into a thriving, family-friendly, and economically-viable place for people of all ages to live, work, and visit. Below are the previous applications submitted for the Village of Lowville.
Water Infrastructure Planning
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Southern Lewis County Regional Water Study
Recognizing an opportunity to address its current and future community and economic development needs, Lewis County and multiple communities made progress toward developing a Southern Lewis County Regional Water Program (SLCRWP).
This program was funded by the New York State Department of State and was targeted toward the development of a reliable and safe water supply to
meet the needs of surrounding residents and businesses. It was the vision that the
potential functional consolidation of services would achieve more efficient water service
delivery while also promoting regional economic development. The Rochester based
professional design and consulting firm, Clark Patterson Lee, was retained to help
develop an implementation plan for the Southern Lewis County Regional Water
Program. A final report was completed in October 2018.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Licensing in Lewis County
FERC is an independent regulatory commission that licenses and inspects private, municipal, and state hydroelectric projects, among other duties. The hydroelectric licenses authorize construction and operation and are issued for 30-50 years (default is 40 years). There are several operations in Lewis County that are up for relicensing and it is important for the public and stakeholders to be aware of the benefits their comments and input play into the long-term presence of these hydroelectric facilities.
Moose River (04349) – EONY Generation Limited – License Expiration Date: April 30, 2026
Lyonsdale (03255) – Lyonsdale Associates, LLC – License Expiration Date: May 31, 2026
Lyons Falls (02548) – Northbrook Lyons Falls LLC – License Expiration Date: May 31, 2026
Beaver River (02645) – Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP – License Expiration Date: July 31, 2026
For a relicense, when the hydroelectric operator is nearing the expiration of their existing license, usually 5 years prior to expiration, the operator/applicant files as Notice of Intent (NOI) and Pre-Application Document (PAD).
With the NOI and PAD in hand, FERC will begin consulting with stakeholders to identify issues and information gaps. This is an opportunity for stakeholder input and to identify studies that will be beneficial to the process. It is important for stakeholders to be involved from the early stages.
FERC with then take the NOI, PAD, and stakeholder input into account to prepare a NEPA, which will be open for public comment. These public comments will be considered in the Agency’s final decision.
Several stakeholders may be involved in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing process. These stakeholders can include:
Project Developer: The entity responsible for developing the energy project, such as a renewable energy developer or a transmission company. They initiate the licensing process and work towards obtaining the necessary permits and approvals.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): The regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the licensing process and granting licenses for energy projects. FERC ensures compliance with federal regulations and considers the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the proposed project.
State and Local Government Agencies: These agencies play a crucial role in the licensing process, as they have jurisdiction over certain aspects of the project, such as land use permits, environmental regulations, and local zoning requirements. They review and provide input on the project’s impacts on their respective jurisdictions.
Native American Tribes and Indigenous Communities: If the proposed project affects tribal lands or has potential impacts on tribal resources, Native American tribes and Indigenous communities have a significant stake in the licensing process. They are often consulted and have the opportunity to provide input on the project’s cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts.
Environmental and Conservation Organizations: These organizations advocate for environmental protection and conservation. They participate in the licensing process to ensure that the project undergoes rigorous environmental review and mitigation measures are implemented to minimize adverse impacts on ecosystems, endangered species, and sensitive habitats.
Public Interest Groups and Advocacy Organizations: These groups represent the interests of the public and advocate for various concerns, such as consumer rights, public health, social justice, or energy affordability. They engage in the licensing process to ensure transparency, public participation, and the consideration of broader societal implications.
Industry and Trade Associations: Associations representing various sectors of the energy industry, such as renewable energy associations, transmission associations, or trade groups, may participate in the licensing process to advocate for their members’ interests and ensure that the regulatory framework is conducive to industry growth and development.
Local Community Members and Stakeholders: Individuals and organizations from the local community who may be directly affected by the project, such as property owners, residents, businesses, or community groups. They participate in the licensing process to voice their concerns, provide input on potential impacts, and advocate for their community’s interests.
These stakeholders often have different perspectives, priorities, and concerns, and their involvement in the FERC licensing process helps ensure a comprehensive and balanced evaluation of the proposed energy project.