STONY POINT RECEIVES $20,000 GRANT FROM SPECTRA ENERGY FOR TREE RESTORATION

Money will be used to replant trees disturbed by pipeline project

The Town of Stony Point announced that it has received $20,000 from SPECTRA Energy to replace trees and other plantings that were disturbed during the installation of the company’s new gas pipeline. The grant comes in response to Supervisor Jim Monaghan and Councilman Tom Basile’s outreach to the company earlier this year urging action to replace vegetation removed during the construction. SPECTRA Project Director, Tim O’Brien and Regional Director of Government Relations, John Sheridan presented the town with a check for the funds today in Stony Point.

In response to meetings between Monaghan, Basile and SEPCTRA representatives, the company has also developed a report from their certified arborist laying out recommendations for specific locations and species of trees to be planted. New trees will be planted in several areas impacted by the staging of equipment that are outside of the right-of-way for the pipeline. “We work very hard in Stony Point to protect our natural environment,” stated Supervisor Jim Monaghan who has been communicating with SPECTRA throughout the course of the construction. “These funds and the recommendations provided by SPECTRA will ensure that as the project is completed, we can replace trees and help restore as many impacted areas as possible,” he continued.

“A number of residents expressed concerns over the impact of the construction on trees and other vegetation,” said Councilman Tom Basile, who contacted the company in January over concerns about tree clearing.  Monaghan and Basile subsequently met with SPECTRA representatives in February to discuss a range of concerns related to the project. “We appreciate SPECTRA’s responsiveness to help us ensure Stony Point continues to be a beautiful place to live and raise a family,” he continued.

Areas to receive some form of restoration may include, but not be limited to impacted sections of Willow Grove Road, Gate Hill Road, Jobson Way, Cedar Flats Road, and Bulsontown Road.  SPECTRA has also committed resources to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission for tree restoration along impacted portions of the Parkway.