Island Dispatch, 1992-10-09

              ISLAND  24 PAGES VOL. 49 NO. 28 OCT. 9, 1992 Register To Vote At Town Hall Today from 1-9 P.M. & lorn or row from 1-9 P.M. SERVING THE GRAND ISLAND COMMUNITY SINCE 1944 With The GRAND ISLAND NEWS GRAND ISLAND, NY (716) 773-7676 Grand Island Speaks Out About The Pipeline by Joelle Logue AFTER some five years of traipsing to Canada and Albany for hearings about the pipeline, Grand Islanders got to slay at home last night 10 express their feelings about the project. Wednesday night's hearing in the Grand Island High School auditorium was the third and final one along the proposed Empire State pipeline route conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers. With sparse turnouts in Baldwinsville and Rochester, the Corps was greeted by some thousand people here whose concerns ranged from ecological to safety considerations as literally dozens ux>k the microphone. US Army Corps Col. John Morris explained the Corps' role in the permitting process stating that their main areas of control were the wetlands and waterways along the pipeline route, bul public welfare and safely were indeed factors in determining their decision. With all other permits in place, the pipeline, as proposed, is dependent upon a green light from the Army Corps of Engineers. Speaking against the project were government officials from Grand Island, Wheatfield, Erie and Niagara County legislators who were given the floor first. Legislator Swanick kicked off the opposition citing ecological problems that would impact Spicer Creek's fisheries and watershed with the pipeline crossing it in four places. Niagara County Legislator William Ross introduced the human factor, and Supervisor Jim Pax reemphasized that the town has said "no" from the beginning, but that no one seemed to be listening until now. With more than 10 to one speaking against the pipeline, opinions, pleas and scientific research were offered in protest of the project. Even two young children (though obviously coached) took the microphone, one pro pipeline, one ami pipeline, and several Grand Island High School students spoke against the pipeline, all worried over the safely of the residents and the inability to evacuate the Island swiftly in the event of a pipeline explosion. There was a contingent of pipeline supporters who pointed out benefits such as economical advantages with the creation of jobs and a greater lax base for the community. Increased gas needs and less dependence on foreign oil were also touted. A biologist/engineer from Williamsville claimed the environmental impact of the pipeline would be insignificant and that safety was not an issue in view of the latest technology. More stringent laws governing safety checks and inspections are presently being passed by Congress to insure the safety of citizens residing in close proximity to a gas line. Clearly three recurring ideas dominated die position of pipeline opponents. One was why the alternate route through Lewiston had not been considered by Empire. That route would eliminate Grand Island altogether as well as the little community of Sunset Drive in Wheatfield. The alternate route is already established and would disrupt fewer people. The second Ribbon Cutting Highlight Of Fire Co. Inspection The annual inspection of the Grand Island Fire Co. look place last Saturday with Supervisor James Pax and Eire Chief Keith Wtxid making their appointed rounds. Immediately following, a ribbon cutting was held for the fire company's new 3,000 sq. ft. addition which houses a state of the art dispatch center. Designer of the addition, Donald Barth, was cited during the ceremonies as was Fireman Bill Weiss for his part in the building process. Photos by Barbl Lare CONTINUED ON PAGE 4