The Green Island Power Authority (GIPA) has submitted an application to the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a proposal to replace an old dam on the Mohawk river with a new 100MW hydro power facility at a cost of over US$50M.
If it gets the go ahead, GIPA hopes its plan will create a continuous flow of water over the Cohoes Falls, which are currently very dry for much of the time, as well as open up around 2km of the Mohawk for recreation.
If the plans are approved, the new scheme could be operational as early as 2006. Half of the electricity generated would be sold on to governmental entities, while 25% would be sold locally and the rest to the power grid.