| FROM: | Alliance Energy Renewables, LLC | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| CONTACT: | Jane E. Rubinstein Rubenstein Associates 212-843-8287 direct / 516-993-0708 cell |
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IMPORTANT CATSKILLS LAKE REOPENS AFTER TWO YEARS ALLIANCE ENERGY OPENS SWINGING BRIDGE RESERVOIR
All Recreational Uses Welcome Starting Saturday, July 21, 2007
(Monticello, NY - July 21, 2007) - The Swinging Bridge Reservoir is OPEN for ALL recreational uses beginning July 21, 2007, announced Joseph Klimaszewski, Regional Director of Alliance Energy Renewables, LLC ("Alliance Renewables"). According to Mr. Klimaszewski the Reservoir is reopen 55 days ahead of the schedule originally submitted to FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by the previous owners. "Our crews have been hard at it, working extended hours and days to bring this in ahead of schedule," explained Mr. Klimaszewski, "and all of us at Alliance Energy applaud and thank the hard work of our contractors and staff. We also extend our appreciation to the FERC staff that has supported us during this effort."
In the last busy days leading up to this reopening, Alliance completed technical reviews with FERC representatives, placed safety measures including buoys and barriers, and surveyed the lake for obvious hazards. But Mr. Klimaszewski cautions the community, "Please approach the reservoir with respect and caution. It's possible that obstacles such as shoals, old tree trunks or boulders may have shifted from their original positions when the lake was last navigated." Mr. Klimaszewski reminds the public to respect the safety barriers and to stay away from the dam and spillway. Lastly, "The public can expect to see fluctuations in any of the Alliance water bodies as we maintain operational flows and levels. The five reservoirs are managed as a system, not as separate water bodies."
In celebration of this grand reopening, Alliance is sponsoring a welcoming picnic provided by the Swinging Bridge Lake Marina complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and soda from 11 am - 1 pm. on Saturday.
The Swinging Bridge Reservoir was first closed to all uses in May 2005 by former owner Mirant following serious damage to the Swinging Bridge dam. Alliance Renewables acquired the former Mirant assets in May 2007, and in under three months, completed the balance of the dam repairs and restored use of the lake 55 days ahead of schedule.
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