|
|
|
|
Moore, Kujawski announce $125,000 grant for Webster Hydroelectric Company
April 3, 2007...Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge and Rep. Paul Kujawski, D-Webster, announced that the Webster Hydroelectric Company has received a $125,000 grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to replace a turbine at its existing facility on the French River. In addition, the grantee is supplying a 50 percent cost share. The hydro project is known as the North Village Project and is located on Mill Street in Webster. “This opportunity provides another advantage of this unique resource that in recent past has not been effectively recognized,” Kujawski said. The electricity will be sold to the local grid, allowing for the local area to benefit from the upgrades. The facility now has two 150kW turbines, which are oversized for current run-of-river operations. “I am please to have supported this project and I congratulate the company officials who have worked hard to improve run-of-river operation at this facility to benefit the environment,” said Moore. The project will replace one of the turbines, which has been non functional for several years, with a smaller turbine. Also included in the project are a new generator, upgraded switchgear and controls, and repairs to canal wall. The new system will be better suited to the river’s flow and will provide adequate and will now be able to run for most of the year, tripling its previous output. Construction is set to begin in 2007, with the facility being in full operation by early 2008. |
