Signs of Progress: Alcoa, Stanly County Near Agreement

There are signs of progress in our ongoing conversations with Stanly County. On Monday, the Stanly County Commissioners reached consensus on an agreement with Alcoa and APGI that will resolve all outstanding issues surrounding our relicensing and related lawsuits and appeals. 

The Stanly County Commissioners will vote on the agreement on May 6 after it is finalized.

"Today is a great day for Stanly Co," Rep. Justin Burr tweeted on Monday. "Stanly Co & Alcoa have settled their differences and will begin working together again for our community."

"We believe this agreement is in the best interests of the citizens of Stanly County," chairman Gene McIntyre said in an interview with WSPC.

"From Alcoa's perspective, we're very pleased with the agreement we've come to today" said Kevin Anton, Alcoa's Chief Sustainability Officer. We'll continue working on that and look forward to further developing the Badin Business Park."

Read a related story in the Stanly News & Press: Stanly County, Alcoa close to deal.

Alcoa’s OspreyCam Returns: Live Feed Provides Close-Up View of Ospreys at the Yadkin Project

Alcoa has brought back its popular OspreyCam, a live camera that follows a pair of osprey who make their home at Badin Lake. The OspreyCam can be viewed online at www.alcoa.com/ospreycam.

Alcoa originally launched the camera in May 2012 to follow two osprey — named Oliveea and Oscar by Alcoa employees — who return every year to a nest situated atop the Narrows Dam. Last year, viewers were able to closely watch the development of three baby chicks as they grew and prepared to take flight.

More baby chicks are on the way. 

Oliveea recently laid two eggs that should hatch in late April. Viewers will be able to watch as the chicks are hatched and will be able to take part in a contest to help name the birds.

The OspreyCam has received more than 541,000 hits from 87 countries since it was introduced.

“The response has been incredible,” said Mark Gross, technical manager for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. “We have been following these birds for several years and its exciting to share these amazing images with people around the world.”

Visitors can follow updates on the bird in a related blog on the Alcoa site and can join in the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #AlcoaOspreyCam.

Ospreys are large birds — with a wingspan of 5-6 feet — that resemble bald eagles. The birds live along rivers, lakes and other large bodies of water where they can feed on fish. The open water and large tracts of undeveloped shoreline at the Yadkin Project provide the perfect setting for wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons and great egrets.

“We are proud that our commitment to preserving the natural habitat around the Yadkin Project has maintained an environment where bald eagles, ospreys and other wildlife can continue to thrive,” Gross said.

Alcoa also operates an EagleCam that provides a live look at two bald eagle chicks in Davenport, Iowa. The site, www.alcoa.com/eaglecam, received more than 12 million visitors last year.

Lexington Dispatch: County signs settlement agreement

Davidson County Commissioner Fred McClure joined me in Lexington last week to officially sign the Relicensing Settlement Agreement on behalf of Davidson County.

The county is the latest organization to signal their support for Alcoa to receive a new license for the Yadkin Project. More than 20 organizations, including state and federal agencies, local governments, environmental groups, and homeowners previously signed the relicensing agreement.

"We just realized we needed to have the partnership with Alcoa," McClure told the Lexington Dispatch.

Click here to read the Lexington Dispatch story.

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on West Badin home

Stanly County Habitat for Humanity has begun construction on its first home in West Badin. The home, located on one two properties donated by Alcoa, will allow Habitat to fulfill another family’s dream of home ownership. 

“We are a company that believes strongly in supporting our communities,” said Kevin Anton, Alcoa’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “In Badin and around the world, Alcoans like to build things. This is a great cause that we were happy to support.”

Anton visited the Badin site last week with a team of Alcoa employees and Habitat leadership. 

“We are grateful for the partnership of Alcoa and are excited about the possibilities of helping this community grow,” said Cemita Gibbs, Executive Director of Stanly County Habitat for Humanity. “It is obvious by this donation that Alcoa cares about their community and the people.”

Alcoa employees plan to take part in building the home. 

“Our employees have already told me that they are looking forward to volunteering to help Habitat for Humanity during the construction of this home,” Nicole Wright, Alcoa Foundation Coordinator. “It’s a great way to give back to the community and we look forward to the start of the project.”

Alcoa to award scholarships to Stanly County high school valedictorians

Alcoa is giving the brightest high school seniors in Stanly County an added incentive to finish the school year strong.

Alcoa and the Alcoa Foundation announced today that it will award a $500 scholarship to the valedictorian at Stanly County high schools this year. The scholarships will be awarded in June. 

“On behalf of Stanly County Schools, I would like to thank Alcoa for its continued support of education in Stanly County,” said Dr. Terry Griffin, superintendent of Stanly County Schools.

A similar scholarship provided by Stanly County was eliminated this year due to budget cuts. 

“Supporting education is a priority for Alcoa and the Alcoa Foundation,” said Kevin Anton, Alcoa’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “We are excited about recognizing these outstanding students and providing a scholarship that will these talented young people pursue their dreams.”  

Alcoa has been doing business in Stanly County for nearly 100 years and has a long tradition of supporting the community. Alcoa and the Alcoa Foundation have donated more than $4 million to North Carolina non-profit organizations since 1990.