News & Bulletins

Winter 2020 Newsletter

Fall 2019 Newsletter

For Immediate Release: 08/13/19

Contact:
John Callaghan | jcallaghan@hrbrrd.ny.gov | (518) 912-3986

BLACK RIVER REGULATING DISTRICT TURNS 100

Water Regulation Body Incorporated August 14, 2019; First Board Meeting Held September 20, 1919

 Regulating District Hosting Open House at Stillwater Reservoir on Saturday

 WATERTOWN – The Hudson River – Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD) is commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the incorporation of the Black River Regulating District on August 14, 2019.

Following a petition for the Regulating District’s formation which was published on February 19, 1919, the Black River Regulating District was statutorily established in May, 1919, and officially incorporated 100 years ago today on August 14, 1919.

On September 6, 1919 Governor Alfred E. Smith appointed the first Board of the Black River Regulating District: J. Victor Baron, president of the Sherman Paper company, John Byron Taylor of Northern New York Utilities, and James A. Outterson of the De Grasse Paper company. The first meeting of the board was held on September 20, 1919 at Taggarts Paper Company in the City of Watertown, NY.

Formed to meet an urgent need on the Black River to improve drinking water, sanitation, regulate flooding, improve navigation, and maximize hydroelectric power capabilities, it was the first river regulating district to be created in the state under the provisions of the Machold Storage Act passed by the legislature in 1915. A second, the Hudson River Regulating District, was formed in 1922.  The two boards were combined in 1959 by the New York State Legislature to create the HRBRRD.

“We are committed to continuing the important mission begun by our predecessors 100 years ago on behalf of New Yorkers,” Mark Finkle, Chair of the HRBRRD, said.  “A century later, the flood protection and flow augmentation benefits which are inherent to the Regulating District’s operations in the Black River Area remain as important as ever.”

John Callaghan, Executive Director of the HRBRRD, said, “After a century of operations, we look forward to playing an integral role in supporting the production of clean, renewable hydroelectric power, providing flood protection and ecological benefits, and enhancing recreation along the Black River and its tributaries for the next 100 years.”

The HRBRRD will host an open house at its Stillwater Dam facility from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday, August 17 to acquaint members of the public and visitors with its mission and operations.  The HRBRRD Board will meet in Watertown on September 10, 2019 and will observe the 100^th anniversary of the inaugural meeting.

The Black River Regulating District (BRRD) was the first regulating district in the state, having been established by the State Legislature in May, 1919 and incorporated on August 14, 1919. On September 6 of the same year Governor Alfred E. Smith appointed the first board, with the first board meeting held on September 20. Edwin S. Cullings was appointed Secretary to the Board and Chief Engineer on December 24, 1919.

After years of work surveying in the Black River watershed, the General Plan for the Regulation of the Flow of the Black River and Certain of its Tributaries was adopted by the BRRD Board on March 22, 1920, and approved by the Conservation Commission April 20, 1920.

The BRRD held public hearings on its first major project in 1921, the enlargement of the Stillwater Dam. In 1923 the contract was awarded to Scott Brothers of Rochester in the amount of $226,131, and construction began in 1924. The gates on the enlarged dam were closed on February 11, 1925, and were then opened for the first release of water on May 6, 1925.

In 1924 under the direction of Black River Regulating District Chief Engineer Edwin S. Cullings, work began on raising the existing dam on the Beaver River at Stillwater Reservoir by 19 feet, increasing the storage capacity from 9 million cubic feet to 4.5 billion cubic feet. Over 3,500 acres of land were cleared in the process, along with the relocation of approximately a mile and a half of railroad track. The Regulating District owns and operates several other dams in the Black River watershed, including Old Forge, Sixth Lake, and Hawkinsville.

Volume 3, Number 2 of the Regulating District Newsletter

The Hudson River-Black River Regulating District, a New York State Public Benefit Corporation responsible for regulating the flow of the Hudson and Black Rivers, is seeking applications for the position of Plant Operator at the Conklingville Dam located (on Great Sacandaga Lake) in Hadley, NY.

The Plant Operator would, under the supervision of the Area Administrator, assist the Principal Plant Operator in performing a wide variety of tasks related to the operation and maintenance of the Conklingville Dam.  Primary duties include operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of the dam and facilities; and taking and recording hydrological and meteorological data.

Salary range $36,732 – $46,076. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, deferred compensation plan, State retirement, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and personal time.

A high school diploma and experience in a related field is required. Successful candidate should possess experience in maintenance or mechanical work.  Must be physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.  A valid New York State driver’s license is required and a CDL is preferred.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, minorities, women, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Qualified candidates should forward their resume and a letter of interest by May 10, 2019 to:

Stephanie Ruzycky, Compliance Officer

Hudson River-Black River Regulating District

737 Bunker Hill Road

Mayfield, NY 12117

For Immediate Release: 04/11/19
Contact:
John Hodgson | jhodgson@hrbrrd.ny.gov | (518) 661-5535
HUDSON RIVER-BLACK RIVER REGULATING DISTRICT
BOARD VOTES TO APPOINT NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOHN C. CALLAGHAN TO LEAD CENTURY-OLD WATER REGULATION & FLOOD
PROTECTION ORGANIZATION

WATERTOWN – The Board of the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD) has voted unanimously to appoint John C. Callaghan as its new executive director, it announced today.

Callaghan, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, comes to the position from a career at the New York State Canal Corporation spanning two decades, where he served in various roles including tugboat captain, canal traffic agent, director of policy implementation and planning, acting director of the Canal Corporation and – most recently over the last eight years – as deputy director and acting executive deputy director. He was appointed at the HRBRRD Board’s April 9th meeting in Watertown, and will begin in the new role on April 15th.

Chairman Mark M. Finkle said, “After a thorough search and interviews with several qualified candidates, Mr. Callaghan emerged as having the skill set, level of experience and leadership ability perfect for this position. We found him to be uniquely qualified for the inherent challenges of the job, and could not be happier to have him lead our team of dedicated and professional employees.”

John C. Callaghan said, “This is an amazing organization that has been doing extremely important work for the people of New York State, often with little notice or acclaim, for the better part of a century. I know I will be able to help the District accomplish its important mission and provide strong leadership for its dedicated staff. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to be joining this exceptional team.”

Chairman Mark M. Finkle praised the performance of John Hodgson, who had been serving as interim executive director, and will return to his duties as administrator for the District’s Hudson River and Black River areas.
“The Board commends John Hodgson for his leadership, professionalism and exemplary performance while serving as interim executive director, while continuing his duties as administrator and leading the search for a new executive director,” Finkle said.

About the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District
The mission of the HRBRRD – which traces its roots to the formation of the Black River Regulating District 100 years ago this year – is to protect public health and safety by regulating the flow of waters in the upper Hudson River and the Black River. The Black River and Hudson River Regulating Districts were formed by the New York State Legislature in 1919 and 1922, respectively, to regulate water flows within those river basins and reduce flooding. The two districts were combined in 1959. As part of its mission, the HRBRRD maintains five reservoirs in upstate New York, including the Great Sacandaga Lake, New York State’s largest reservoir.