Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) is pleased to announce that the second round of ReCharge NY contract agreements has been awarded. The assemblyman, who helped enact the program during his first year in office, said it will offer low-cost energy to five North Country companies, three of which are in his district, for the promise of future job creation and retention.

“If you haven’t heard me say it before, it’s about ‘jobs, jobs, jobs,’ and I’m happy that my vote in 2011 helped create and retain over 350 jobs right here in the North Country,” said Blankenbush. “One of the biggest challenges to small businesses and manufacturers is rising energy costs. Helping companies deal with these expenses is aiding New Yorkers who are in search of good-paying jobs. Today’s ReCharge NY announcement is wonderful news.”

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) approved agreements between Viking Cives USA, HDK Wood Products, and R.T. Vanderbilt Co, Inc. within the assemblyman’s district. The companies are expected to grow and/or retain 124 jobs. HP Hood, LLC and Jain Irrigation, Inc. regionally will contribute 240 jobs to area residents. To qualify for ReCharge NY, these companies had to commit to job creation or retention and also invest capital into their own company.