Old Forge Properties, which includes Enchanted Forest Water Safari and Water’s Edge Inn and Conference Center, was recently awarded a grant for $1 million to help offset the costs of converting their heating systems to a wood chip boiler system.
The grant was awarded by NYSERDA through funding that was made available in the second round of Regional Economic Development Council Awards which were announced through Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office on Wednesday, December 19.
The new system is expected to save Old Forge Properties an estimated $84,000 to $110,500 per year while offsetting 451 tons of carbon emissions annually.
It will bring carbon dioxide emissions down to zero and allow for nearly 750 tons of locally produced woodchips annually.
And because the waste generated is not considered a hazardous material, it can be used as a soil amendment to lawns and gardens.
A feasibility analysis that was conducted by the USDA Forest Service found that this project should produce a positive cash flow quickly, which will allow Old Forge Properties to continually invest, create new jobs, and attract additional visitors to Herkimer County.
“That’s going to be a great, great project for the community. The Noonans (owners of Old Forge Properties) are really to be commended for that project,” said CAP-21 Executive Director Nick Rose.
