The Stanly County Commissioners today failed to reach an agreement with Alcoa to resolve issues surrounding the Yadkin Project relicensing. The decision follows recent settlement discussions initiated by Stanly County. Alcoa will keep the new offer on the table until midnight on June 28.
“Commissioners Josh Morton and Gene McIntyre asked us to put together a new proposal that specifically addressed water and water infrastructure,” said Kevin Anton, Alcoa’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “We did exactly that with this proposal.”
Anton added, “The offer we have extended to the Commissioners is valid through June 28, so we are hopeful that the citizens of Stanly County will reach out to the Commissioners and make their views known.”
The deal, which received yes votes by Commissioners Morton and McIntyre, supports the county’s efforts to access more water from the Yadkin Project; provide a $5 million contribution to support water infrastructure projects; and also include a $2.5 million payment to be dispersed over the next 10 years. In addition, Alcoa is committing to the continued implementation of a series of environmental measures to improve water quality, and both sides would drop current lawsuits.
“We believe that Alcoa is the best operator for the Yadkin Project, and we will continue our efforts to renew our license,” Anton said. “We would like to thank Representative Justin Burr for his efforts to help mediate a settlement between the two parties. Despite today's vote, we believe our differences can be resolved through continued open and honest dialogue.”
Alcoa began the relicensing process in 2002, working closely with stakeholder organizations to develop a relicensing settlement agreement that includes environmental protections, recreational enhancements and a host of other community benefits. The relicensing benefits will be implemented once Alcoa receives a new federal license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
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