The New York Power Authority Board of Trustees has approved nearly $200,000 in power proceeds funding for the Aquarium of Niagara.
The aquarium was awarded more than $194,000 to upgrade its boiler system to a high-efficiency HVAC system. The nearly $972,000 project will significantly reduce on-site energy consumption, improve climate control for animals, and enhance the visitor experience, according to NYPA.
Assemblymember Angelo J. Morinello said, “I’m proud to see the continued commitment from the New York Power Authority and Governor Hochul to supporting transformative projects right here in Niagara Falls. The investment in the Aquarium of Niagara will not only improve energy efficiency and animal care but will also enhance one of our city’s most beloved cultural destinations. This kind of forward-thinking investment strengthens our local economy, supports tourism, supports local jobs, and showcases the power of public-private partnerships to drive meaningful progress in our community.”
Added Sen. Robert Ortt, “These funds to the Aquarium of Niagara will not only support the operational efficiency and improve conditions for the animals, but will allow the aquarium to continue (its) focus on providing an exceptional educational experience to children and parents from our community as well as visitors from around the world.”
The funding was among several NYPA economic development awards that will officials say will spur nearly $395 million in private capital investments and support 616 jobs. The items include power allocations and funding awards to firms located throughout the state.
“The awards approved today by the NYPA Board of Trustees reflect the importance of reliable, affordable electricity for New York businesses,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “By leveraging its clean energy portfolio, the Power Authority is literally and figuratively powering New York’s economy, spurring large scale private investment and creating jobs for New Yorkers across the state.”
In addition to the aquarium, the NYPA board also approved a more than $1.3 million funding award to Natrion, a pioneering start-up specializing in solid-state battery technology, to support the firm’s development of a 7,660-square foot global manufacturing headquarters in Cheektowaga. The state-of-the-art facility will produce an advanced solid-state electrolyte material designed to revolutionize the performance and safety of rechargeable lithium batteries used in electronics and electric vehicles.
The firm’s $9.1 million project will lead to the creation of 19 jobs and strengthens New York’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
NYPA Chairman and Western New York resident John R. Koelmel said, “More than 60 firms have received support under the Western New York Power Proceeds program, which reinvests funds generated by the sale of Niagara hydropower back into our local communities. The awards approved at today’s meeting to the Aquarium of Niagara and Natrion build on the program’s success and reflect the Power Authority’s ongoing commitment to support Western New York’s economy.”
The Power Authority funding awards are made possible through net earnings resulting from the sale of unused hydropower generated at the Niagara Power Project and stems from power proceeds legislation signed into law in 2012.