GE Initiates Hudsonworks Program
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
The dredging project GE will be performing in the Upper Hudson River will be one of unprecedented size and scope. To perform it safely and effectively, GE's dredging and construction contractors will need help from many local and national companies.
To ensure local suppliers, vendors and businesses that are interested in providing services are identified, GE has launched an online marketplace -- at www.hudsonworks.net -- where they can learn more about the project and provide information about their businesses.
GE also has scheduled a dredging project business opportunities open house in Fort Edward on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 3:00-6:00 p.m, at the Fort Edward Firehouse on Broadway.
"GE has been doing business in the region for more than 100 years and, for the last 25 years, has worked closely with many local companies on $250 million in clean-up and research projects on the Hudson River so far," said John G. Haggard, GE's Hudson River Project Manager.
"Now, as we approach the dredging project, which is larger and more complex than any similar project undertaken before, we want to hear from other local businesses that have the capabilities to support our construction and dredging contractors," said Haggard.
GE representatives discussed the program with local elected officials, chambers of commerce and business groups to gather feedback on the program.
"The economic impacts of the dredging project will not be fully known until the project begins," said Rep. John E. Sweeney (R-Clifton Park). "I've urged EPA and GE to hire local contractors, sub-contractors and labor to off-set these potential impacts. I applaud this pro-active measure and am confident the local talent in our region will serve as a positive contribution to the project."
In addition to dredging sediments from the river, the project calls for building and operating a sediment dewatering facility as well as rail yard and marine facilities; building infrastructure and utilities at the dewatering plant; collecting environmental samples; and conducting a habitat restoration program.
Supporting services and products, such as plumbing, heating, trash and snow removal, asphalt, gravel and welding supplies, will be needed. A complete list of services and products that GE expects to need is posted on the hudsonworks Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mark Behan, 518-792-3856
