The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced today (April 30) work will begin next month on the final decommissioning and stabilization of the former Alcoa Powerhouse, a 577-foot-long structure located at the intersection of the Massena Canal and the Grasse River in Massena.
"The New York Power Authority is advancing the final decommissioning and resurfacing of the former Alcoa Powerhouse. This meaningful project honors our region's industrial legacy while contributing to the beauty and integrity of our natural surroundings," said NYPA Trustee and North Country resident Cecily Morris. "The transformation of the Alcoa Power Dam into an earthen dam led by a North Country-based contractor will enhance the landscape and stand as a lasting investment in the future of our community."
"For many years, the Alcoa Power dam fueled aluminum manufacturing in the North Country, strengthening local industry and the region's economy," said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. "With help from a local workforce, the final decommissioning of the Alcoa Power Dam will restore the area's natural beauty and create an aesthetically pleasing landscape."
The construction project, which is expected to be substantially completed in 2028, will involve the removal of steel structures and the partial demolition of the concrete structure. Any remaining structures will be stabilized and covered with topsoil and grass to form an earthen dam. A computer-generated image of the completed project is available here.
To assess the recent extensive deterioration of the dam, NYPA commissioned an engineering assessment of the Alcoa Powerhouse in 2017 and decided to move forward with this work. The project includes the final decommissioning of the facility and the stabilization and capping of the remaining structure to form an earthen dam, which will support the water management system around the St. Lawrence River. Following the award of a competitively bid contract last fall, Luck Brothers of Plattsburgh, New York will be the contractor of record for the project under NYPA's direction. NYPA has launched a new webpage to help update the community on the work taking place and preview any anticipated traffic inconveniences. Visit: https://www.nypa.gov/massena-canal for more information.
When construction of the original powerhouse was completed in 1900 to support the manufacturing of aluminum by the Pittsburgh Reduction company, it was the largest concrete structure in the world. As demand for aluminum products grew, the company expanded and the town of Massena grew around it. The Pittsburgh Reduction Company was renamed the Aluminum Company of America and eventually in 1910, it became Alcoa.
In 1958, Alcoa began to receive power from the Power Authority's newly constructed St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project Power Project. At that time, the Alcoa Power Dam was partially decommissioned, and power-generating equipment was removed.
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.
View a short video, renderings, and photos of the Alcoa Power Dam
