New York Power Authority upgrades HVAC, water filtration systems at Tuscarora Nation School

New York Power Authority Press Release

The New York Power Authority on Wednesday announced the completion of a new water treatment system and heating units at the Tuscarora Nation School. The energy efficiency projects at the school were made possible through an ongoing collaboration between the Tuscarora Nation, the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District and NYPA.

NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll joined school district administrators and Tuscarora Council leaders to celebrate the projects and to view students’ energy advocacy work during an assembly at the school.

“The New York Power Authority is committed to sharing its expertise and resources in ways that are meaningful for local communities,” NYPA Chairman John R. Koelmel said. “These no-cost energy solutions will provide a lasting benefit to students and families in the Tuscarora Nation and attest to the power of public-private partnerships that continue to strengthen the entire Western New York region.”

The $934,000 water treatment and heating unit system was funded and implemented by NYPA. The Niagara Wheatfield Central School District and the Tuscarora Nation are eligible entities under the Power Authority’s environmental justice program, which conducts customized programs for underserved communities near NYPA facilities – in this case, the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston.

“We are pleased to help the Tuscarora Nation School upgrade the infrastructure systems that serve the children and will make school facilities more energy efficient for years to come,” Driscoll said. “The Tuscarora Nation shares a commitment with the Power Authority to address the impacts of a changing climate and focus on energy use and sustainable living. Our partnership supports the next generation and brings us another step closer to achieving New York state’s nation-leading clean energy goals.”

NYPA’s environmental justice team recently engaged the fifth and sixth graders within the Tuscarora Nation School in an environmental advocacy program. Students learned about the energy upgrades happening at their school and ways to work together to conserve energy. Students also developed their own conservation campaigns to share with their peers.

The Tuscarora Nation School, an elementary-level New York state public school, is on Tuscarora Nation land. It encourages students to become competent, caring, independent learners while maintaining their strong connection to language, culture and the history of the Tuscarora Nation.

NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll (right), Tuscarora Elementary School Teacher Paul Beatty and an elementary school student admire student projects on display. (NYPA photo)

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“Tuscarora School is very grateful for the energy work NYPA completed, and in such a timely manner,” Principal Elizabeth Corieri said. “The collaboration between NYPA and our fifth- and sixth-grade students made a lasting impression by reinforcing the importance of problem-solving and thinking deeply and creatively about the process of planning a project with a timeline. Students also brainstormed ways to improve our school in the years to come.”

NYPA worked with the Tuscarora Nation and the school district to conduct an energy audit and identify the most urgent projects. The audit reported that the well water filtration system, boilers and heating and ventilation units all required significant upgrades or replacement.

NYPA upgraded the water filtration and softening systems that remove impurities from the water on its way from the well to the school for use in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The project also involved replacing 11 heating and ventilation units powered by gas to provide heat and air conditioning in the cafeteria, staff room and classrooms with electric units. The new electrified system avoids the use of fossil fuels and makes the units cleaner, safer, and more cost and energy efficient.

The environmental justice team plans additional STEM and career support programs in the Tuscarora School and Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. A workshop on how to weatherize a home will be scheduled for adults in April.

NYPA leadership is committed to providing support to the Tuscarora Nation and other communities located near its assets. The NYPA environmental justice team provides science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs, teacher training, mentorships, internships, community workshops and fairs, career support initiatives, and energy information for low-income homeowners and renters throughout the state.

“Community collaboration and engagement are the hallmarks of NYPA’s environmental justice program, which provides meaningful energy-based projects and education to benefit local families and residents,” said Kaela Mainsah, vice president of the environmental justice department. “Our team addresses concerns and challenges in a way that makes sense for that particular community. The improvements announced here today were specific requests, and we were pleased to be able to work with our friends to help them accomplish their sustainability goals.”

As part of NYPA’s ongoing environmental justice efforts, it completed new energy-efficient LED lighting and an energy audit at four Niagara Falls Housing Authority facilities in 2021, and contributed $300,000 to energy upgrades at the Explore & More Children’s Museum. Additionally, NYPA funded the purchase of energy-efficient refrigerators in more than 250 apartments managed by the Massena Housing Authority, conducted a geothermal study for the Utica Municipal Housing Authority, and opened a hydroponics lab for the community at Astoria Houses in Queens.

New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy said, "This partnership between the Tuscarora Nation and NYPA is an example of what can be accomplished through a shared vision for environmental justice and investing in the future of our children. I'm thrilled to see this project completed with support from New York."

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said, “I’d like to thank NYPA for their completed project at the Tuscarora Nation School. The new water treatment and heating system will not only provide a more energy-efficient facility for staff and students, but will also have a cleaner impact on the environment.”

New York state's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors, and ensures that at least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities.

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. For more information, follow on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

NYPA Project Engineer Joseph Szabo, left, showcases to NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll, center, and others the upgraded water filtration and softening systems that remove impurities from the water on its way from the well to the school for use in the kitchen and bathrooms. (NYPA photo)