Welcome to NYPA’s

Niagara PowerProject

The New York Power Authority has developedthousands of acres of recreational facilities adjacentto its hydropower projects. While public access isrestricted near power project infrastructure, muchof the surrounding property is available for activeand passive recreation—such as boating, fishing,hiking or picnicking—depending onthe specific area.

Most of NYPA’s recreational facili-ties are operated and maintained byeither the state or local municipalities.In certain cases, NYPA is the facilityoperator. Besides observing basic, common-sensesafety rules at these sites, visitors must take certainspecial precautions when they are in the vicinity ofelectrical generating installations, such as powerdams, reservoirs, switchyards and transmission linerights-of-way.

Please familiarize yourself with the informationin this brochure before commencing any activitiesat NYPA’s recreational facilities. If you have a question about the use of these sites, call ourCommunity Relations staff at 716-286-6661 duringregular business hours.

NYPA also operates family-friendly admission-free visitors centers at itsNiagara, Blenheim-Gilboaand St.Lawrence-FDR power projects that explainthe science of electricity and hydropower with interactive exhibits.

To learn more about NYPA’s many facilities and services, visit: www.nypa.gov.

Safety and

SecurityReminderThe New York Power Authority plays a critical role inmeeting New York State’s electricity needs. Because ofthe potential hazards and security concerns associatedwith power production, access to NYPA’s generation andtransmission facilities is restricted to authorized person-nel only. This is to protect both the facilities and the general public.

Security at many important sites has been increasedin recent years. We ask the public to follow the directionsprovided on signs near NYPA facilities and to obey thedirectives of NYPA personnel and/or security officials stationed nearby.

The public can also play an important role in keepingthese facilities, and your fellow visitors, safe by reportingany dangerous or suspicious situation that you mayobserve around NYPA property. To contact NYPA securi-ty at the Niagara project, call (716) 286-6712. To reachlocal law enforcement for immediate assistance, call 911.

BeSmartBeSafe

at the

NIAGARA POWER

PROJECT

Staying Safeon

theWater

The same Niagara River waterthat has been used to powerindustry for 250 years alsoattracts a variety of recreationaluses, including boating, fishingand swimming. The PowerAuthority generates clean,renewable, reliable supplies ofhydroelectricity by using a portion of the Niagara River tospin turbine-generators insideits Niagara Power Project,located about five miles down-stream from Niagara Falls.

Because Power Authorityoperations can affect river con-ditions bothabove andbelow the Falls,special precau-tions must betaken while inthe vicinity ofhydropower facilities. Thesefacilities include the intakes,

where upper Niagara Riverwater enters underground conduits that feed NYPA’s power project, and the tailrace,where this water exits the power dam into the lowerNiagara River.

Warning signs posted inthese areas advise boaters to stayback at least 250 feet to avoidthe strong currents and suddenturbulence that commonlyoccur. Boating and swimmingare completely forbidden in the Niagara project’s Lewiston Reservoir.

Several sites withinthe Niagara projectboundary can safelyaccommodate shorelinefishing. One of the mostdramatic, and popular, isthe fishing pier NYPA

constructed in the Lower

Niagara River atthe base of itsRobert Moses Niagara PowerPlant. Shoreline fishing is alsoallowed on the dike surroundingLewiston Reservoir, which isadjacent to Reservoir State Park.On the Upper Niagara River,about 21/2 miles above theAmerican Falls, NYPA has provided parking and an over-look for fishing near its powerproject intakes.

These sites have beendesigned to meet standard safety regulations, and mostmeet federal handicapped-acces-sibility requirements. However, shoreline visitors should alwaysbe aware of the potential hazards posed by changeableconditions, particularly waterlevels that rise and fall rapidly,occurring near hydropowerfacilities.

StayingSafe on

theLand

Almost 400 acres of land withinthe Niagara project boundaryhave been set aside for a widevariety of active and passiverecreation. Some sites have beendeveloped with amenities suchas restrooms, paved pathways orplaying fields. Other areas con-sist of simple trails that providepublic access to the waterfront.

Because these recreationalfacilities are provided as part ofthe Power Authority’s opera-tions, visitors must adhere to all posted notices and warningsigns, especially those nearrestricted areas where unautho-rized access is prohibited.

As a general rule, recre-ational sites are closed fromdusk to dawn unless special cir-

cumstances apply. State Police,State Park Police, local lawenforcement officials and otherauthorities regularly monitorthese areas. On occasion, specialrestrictions for enhanced publicsafety and security are imple-

mented. Other basic, common-sense practices apply at all times.

Hikers traveling throughthe Niagara River Gorge shouldstay on clearly marked trails andavoid hazardous areas, such assteep embankments andthe river’s edge, wherethe footing can be slip-pery and unstable.

Reservoir StatePark has facilities forball-playing, picnicking and, in the winter, sledding. Huntingand camping are not allowed in the park. Also unauthorizedmotor vehicles, ATVs and snowmobiles are forbidden on and around the LewistonReservoir dike and throughoutthe state park.

Other operational featuresof the Niagara project, includingits forebay and switchyard, areoff limits to the public. For abetter understanding of electric-ity and the Power Authority’sdiverse role in serving New YorkState, stop by the Power Vista,

NYPA’s admission-free visitorscenter at the Niagara project.The Power Vista is open dailyfrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except forsome holidays. For informationon the Power Vista and recre-ational facilities near the powerproject, call (716) 286-6661 or

(866) NYPA-FUN.Several commu-

nities near NYPA’sNiagara projectoffer additionalrecreational facilities

that are owned, operated andmaintained by entities otherthan the Power Authority. Thekey to having a safe and enjoy-able experience at any recre-ational site is to obey all rulesand regulations that are in effect.