Economic Expert On Marcellus Shale: ‘This Is Big!’

March 10th, 2010
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kelseysmallmugshot1“This is big,” was the opening remark of Dr. Tim Kelsey, rural economist and community development specialist from Penn State University, speaking to about 70 people attending Tuesday night’s monthly meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force. From lease payments and royalties being paid to mineral rights owners, to employment and business partnering opportunities, Marcellus Shale natural gas production is an economic goliath, Kelsey said. The challenge for community leaders will be to “minimize the negative implications” and prepare for the years that will follow the boom.

“When it’s gone, it’s gone,” Dr. Kelsey emphasized. “You need to be prepared for that day and not be wholly dependent on it.”

Based on studies of other gas rushes and assessments of the Marcellus Shale potential, Kelsey said the strongest economic activity and creation of jobs will come during a 15- to 20-year “development phase.” Upwards of 90 percent of those jobs will be gone during the ensuing “production phase,” which could last for 50 or more years.

Arrival of gas companies will create an environment where a whole generation of local residents will have employment opportunities that might persuade them to remain in Potter County, rather than moving away due to economics.

Sectors which will benefit the greatest will include energy, retail trade, construction, maintenance and repair, business services, health services, eating/drinking establishments and transportation.

“By and large, the economic trickle-down benefits are across the economy,” Kelsey said. “It’s not simply the gas industry and a few others.”

Local governments should prepare for the changes, he added, through land-use planning to control development and communication with energy companies to exchange information and identify potential problems.

Some members of the audience pointed out that any economic assessment is incomplete without taking into account the potential for environmental degradation due to water pollution, forest fragmentation, or other impacts from gas drilling.

Dr. Kelsey acknowledged that these could be factors, but added that deriving hard data to include the impact in an economic study was problematic.

Additional reports from Tuesday’s meeting will be posted on Potter County Today.

EMA Warns Of Census Scams Being Sent Via Email

March 9th, 2010
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censusscams1As 2010 U.S. Census forms arrive in Potter County residents’ mailboxes, there’s a less welcome and much more menacing type of mail that some have been receiving. According to the Potter County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), criminals posing as U.S. Census officials have been sending out bogus emails to internet users in an effort to fraudulently obtain personal financial information.

“The Census Bureau does not conduct the business over the internet and does not send emails about participating in the 2010 Census,” EMA advised. “The Census Bureau never asks for your full social security number or money; never sends requests on behalf of a political party; never requests information for credit cards or other financial accounts.”

Anyone who receives a bogus email is advised to ignore and to refrain from opening any attachments. The Census Bureau is asking citizens to forward the email to ITSO.Fraud.Reporting@census.gov.

“Anyone who is contacted personally about the U.S. Census should ask the person for a valid Census ID and a second form of identification,” EMA noted. “If you are still in doubt, contact your regional census office for verification. If you receive something suspicious in the mail, contact the United States Postal Inspection Service.”

Free Seminar For Using Internet To Attract Tourists

March 8th, 2010
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website1More and more travelers are using the internet to plan their trips. Area businesses hoping to make the most of tourism can learn how to create an effective website during a free workshop on Wednesday, March 10, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The presentation will begin at 5 pm in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The workshop is sponsored by the Pitt-Bradford Business Resource Center.

The seminar is geared toward outfitters, artisans, restaurants, motels, stores and lodges, among others. Small-business owners with successful websites will show examples and explain the creation of their sites and the associated costs. There will be helpful information on layout and search engine optimization. For more information or to register call (814) 362-5078.

State Grants Available For Wildfire Fighting Equipment

March 8th, 2010
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wildfirefightAlmost $670,553 is being made available to volunteer fire companies in Pennsylvania this year to better prepare them for fighting wildfires. More information on the grant program is available from the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources website at https://www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us. Applications are being accepted until May 20.

There is a 50-percent match requirement with a maximum amount of $7,500 awarded by the state. Funds can be used for wildfire suppression equipment, protective gear, radios and dry hydrants. The Pa. Bureau of Forestry can also assist local fire companies in qualifying for state funds.

Volunteers Welcome For Austin Dam Project

March 7th, 2010
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austdamoneA committee is being formed to serve as a liaison with the consulting firm that is developing a master site plan for expansion and improvements at the Austin Dam Memorial Park. Austin Borough, in cooperation with Austin Dam Memorial Association, has hired Pashek & Associates to create the plan. After the committee is formed and initial meetings are held, two public sessions will be scheduled to solicit public input and suggestions. First committee meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 24, at 6:30 pm. Anyone seeking additional information should contact David Brooks at 814-558-0605.

Meanwhile, plans are being developed for a centennial observance marking the Sept. 30, 1911, flood that claimed upwards of 80 lives and nearly wiped away the town. Theme of the Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2011, observance will be: “A celebration of the history and spirit of Austin and its residents.”

Six County Maple Producers Open To Tours March 27-28

March 7th, 2010
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dunnjuniorMore than a dozen area maple syrup producers are opening their doors to the public over the March 27-28 weekend for the sixth annual “Maple Weekend.” Six of the operations are in Potter County. Goal is to promote the potential of maple syruping in the region and increase public awareness of the industry.

Visitors to the farms will be able to witness tree-tapping and production of maple syrup, maple sugar and other products. Operators will describe the production process and answer questions. Potter/Tioga Maple Producer Assn., formed in 1963, sponsors the tour. Hours are 10 am and 4 pm each day. Potter County operations on the tour include:

• Sons of Dunn Family Farm, 1606 North Ayers Hill Road, Coudersport. Phone 274-7247.

• Brydonson Farm, 592 N. Ayers Hill Road, Coudersport. Phone 274-9680.

• Rathbun Farms, Pinneo Hill Road, Shinglehouse. Phone 698-2421.

• Charles Nelson and Sons, 214 Grover Hollow Road, Genesee. Phone 848-7950.

• Hamilton’s Maple Products, 19 Bunnell Road, Ulysses. Phone 848-7997.

• Sappy’s Sugar Shack, 2426 Fox Hill Road, Ulysses. Phone 848-9760.