State Senator Patty Ritchie joined Governor Andrew Cuomo Monday for a tour of the ReEnergy Black River plant located on Ft. Drum.

The visit to the former coal plant—which is being turned into a biomass energy facility—was part of the Governor’s “Open for Business” tour.

“I’d like to thank the Governor for making the trip to the North Country to see firsthand the exciting steps being taken to create jobs and revitalize the economy in our region,” said Senator Ritchie.

“The developments being made at this facility are a true win-win for our area—hundreds of people will be going back to work, it will provide a boost to local foresters and it will help to create green, renewable energy.”

ReEnergy’s Black River facility is expected to open early next year.