Town of Johnsburg Chamber of
Commerce
PO Box 84 – 228 Main Street
North Creek, NY 12853
Phone 518-251-2612
Fax-518-251-5317
May 12, 2005:
The Board of Directors of the Gore Mountain Chamber of
Commerce unanimously supports the development of wind-powered electrical
generation at the former Barton Mines mining site on Gore Mountain in the Town
of Johnsburg.
Barton Mines has been an important contributor to the
economy of the Adirondacks for over 125 years.
This economic stimulus continues today with the mining at Ruby Mountain,
a short distance from the former mine.
There are many more jobs associated with the packaging and shipping from
the Hudson River plant. Construction of
the facility will add temporary construction jobs for the area.
The site proposed for the Adirondack Wind Energy Park
on the backside of Gore Mountain, is zoned industrial. It has a paved road serving the
facility. In one of the rare and
important pieces of the project, there is a high voltage line running to the
top of the mountain. This is the only
place in the Adirondack Park where the winds are strong enough and the road and
power line are in place for a wind powered project.
There have been towers relating to forest protection
and skiing on the mountain for about 70 years.
Residents have viewed these towers and they have become part of our
landscape. Skiers have traveled long
distances to ride these towers. The new
wind turbine towers will become part of the new landscape just as much as the
existing fire tower and the 141 lift towers that we use today.
It is the official policy of the State of New York to
use renewable energy. This project will
contribute to the states needs. The
ability to supply half of the 25,000 homes in the county with power is a step
in the right direction for our state and nation.
The project will increase the payments to the Town of
Johnsburg, the Johnsburg School District and Warren County without adding
demand for town, school or county services.
The wind park will have a positive effect on tourism to the area. Visitors will want to see the turbines and learn about them. Barton’s plans for educational outreach at the site will encourage school, motorcoach and tourism visits.
The Board of Directors of the Gore Mountain Chamber supports this project and asks individuals and businesses to add their support.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Gore Mountain Region Chamber of
Commerce/ Town of Johnsburg