By Patricia Breakey
Delhi News Bureau
DELHI _ A Nova Scotia firm has been chosen by Delaware County to perform an economic impact analysis of New York City's $300 million long-term land acquisition program.
Dean Frazier, Delaware County Watershed Affairs commissioner, and Glenn Nealis, county economic/industrial development director, told the Delaware County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday that Down East Group Development Consulting had been chosen by a committee from proposals submitted.
Nealis said the group will take into account the range of economic impacts the land acquisition program could have on Delaware County, where the largest amount of land is expected to be acquired.
Nealis said a resolution with a finalized contract will be presented at the July board meeting.
Walton Supervisor John Meredith, county budget officer, said $250,000 has been budgeted to cover the cost of the study.
Frazier said New York City must apply for a new water-management permit in January 2010. He said the application process will include public input, and the county wants to have the analysis available.
In other business, Nealis told the board that a new business has located in Downsville.
Leo Brennen, owner of Bren-Tronics Inc., a Long Island firm, has opened a branch in Downsville, where he owns a second home, Nealis said.
According to the Bren-Tonics website, the company "is the largest USA manufacturer of military rechargeable batteries, chargers and portable power supplies. Bren-Tronics main products are the major power sources and charging systems used in portable applications by the US armed forces, NATO and other friendly countries' armies, all major international military contractors and in various industrial and commercial applications."
The company has hired 12 local residents, Nealis said, and hopes to expand its Delaware County work force to 35 employees by the end of the year.
Colchester Supervisor Robert Homovich praised the move, saying Brennen's business is established.
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Patricia Breakey can be reached at 746-2894 or at stardelhi@stny.rr.com.
