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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- OK, it's the preseason, so none of this counts.
But if you're a fan, your heart had to beat a little quicker watching the first team offense during Thursday night's preseason opener against the St. Louis Rams. And not just on Travis Benjamin's sizzling 91-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Brandon Weeden showed so much more poise than almost any time a year ago. He had a very good idea of what he was supposed to do nearly every time he was asked to throw the ball. That may sound rather elementary, but there were times when it seemed Weeden was stuck in pre-school trying to understand last year's West Coast offense.
But the schemes designed by offensive coordinator Norv Turner and head coach Rob Chudzinski placed Weeden in a comfort zone.
One of the changes was placing Weeden in the shotgun, where he threw nearly all of his passes at Oklahoma State. Last season, Weeden was only in the shotgun for 43 percent of his passes, ranking 39th out of 40 quarterbacks who threw at least 100 passes.
With the new coaching staff, 10 of 13 passes came from the shotgun formation. That matches the approach taken by Chudzinski and Turner, who had their quarterbacks in the shotgun about 75 percent of the time last season. That also may be the reason that Weeden seemed more composed; the offense made sense to him.
From the shotgun, Weeden drilled a 21-yard completion to Josh Gordon, and a 30-yarder to tight end Jordan Cameron.
One of Weeden's throws bounced off Cameron's hands, but Greg Little out-jumped some defenders to transform that into a 14-yard gain. The problem was not the pass, but Cameron's failure to make the catch.
Weeden also threw a couple of nice screens. One came from under center, and it went for 16 yards to Dion Lewis. You can see why the new front office traded for Lewis, the 5-8, 190-pound back from Philadelphia. He quickly changes direction, and has more power in those short legs than you'd guess from a first glance.
But much of this night was about observing Weeden. You'd never have guessed this was Weeden's first preseason game in a new offense. Didn't you love it when it was third-and-2, and Weeden found Davone Bess for seven yards and a first down? That was Weeden's second pass of the game. It went to the veteran receiver imported from Miami who knows how to help a quarterback pile up those first downs.
Sure-handed, veteran receivers such as Bess build confidence in inexperienced quarterbacks such as Weeden, whose first drive was 67 yards on 15 plays, ending with a 25-yard field goal by Brandon Bogotay.
The next time the Browns had the ball, they drove 74 yards, ending with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Lewis. Give Weeden 113 yards on 10-of-13 passing, six players catching passes. The Browns were 3-of-4 on third downs. When he picked out a target, it was the right one. The man was open, the pass went where it should and at the proper time.
He did have one ball tipped at the line of scrimmage. St. Louis didn't bring much pressure. And yes, it's an exhibition game.
But Weeden delivered a very promising preview of what should be some entertaining coming attractions for the offense this season.


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Northwest NEWS
ctober 5, 1998
Horsewhispering workshops set
Horse whisperer Frank Bell will be holding a workshop for horses and riders at Starbird Creek Stables in Mt. Vernon on Oct. 9, 10 and 11 from noon - 4 p.m.
Bell's clinics teach a "7-step step safety system" and help with bonding and confidence building.
Each workshop can handle 18 riders with manageable horses at $300 each. Spectators at $20 per day.
Unmanageable horses can be worked with in private sessions.
Starbird Stables is located at 2315 Bulson Rd. For information call 425-788-1154 or 788-9603 or on the internet at

subset: commoncrawl


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Syracuse, N.Y. -- Happy, happy Friday. We've got an Orange, green and white weekend ahead. Stay strong and cheer responsibly.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is in New York City, where other legislative leaders are expected to meet with him for another round of budget talks. A framework agreement on the $143 billion spending plan could be announced as early as today or over the weekend. The leaders are aiming to strike a deal in time to print the bills by the end of Monday so voting can happen on Thursday.
ICYMI: Another Syracuse native made his mark last night in the Garden:
Official Pat Driscoll just tossed two guys with front row seats at MSG. I'll miss the Big East tournament so.— Brian Hamilton (@ChiTribHamilton) March 15, 2013
RT @sipetethamel: Did some crack investigative reporting on the fan tossing. The fans were cursing out the officilals. A justified ejection.— Brian Hamilton (@ChiTribHamilton) March 15, 2013
They're down to the last $550 million in state budget talks, a sign of progress. But many items remain unresolved, including an extension of higher income tax rates on wealthier New Yorkers to avoid facing the issue next year, when Cuomo faces re-election.
After undercover agents working for Attorney General Eric Schneiderman were able to buy guns -- including the AR-15 -- at various gun shows in the state without any background checks, the show's operators have agreed to implement new procedures.
One Assemblywoman wants to limit gun show audiences to people 12 and older.
Ann Marie Buerkle's pro-Second Amendment tour kicks off in Auburn next weekend.
Schneiderman reminds the NFL it's a don't ask, don't ask world: it's illegal in New York to ask potential workers, including football players, about their sexual orientation.
New York
Kurt Myers, the suspected shooter in Herkimer and Mohawk that left four dead and two wounded, liked to walk, not talk. Ape, the FBI dog, was only 2.
A Western New York man is the state's first arrest under the NY Safe Act. He's charged with trying to sell two newly banned weapons to an undercover cop. Legal papers say the charged man was recorded on tape responding: "The whole felony, banned-for-life thing, it's stupid.'' He faces up to seven years in prison.
Upstate continues to lose people.
Some in the Cuomo family were wishing for a different pope.
Momentum is building for stronger gun laws in Connecticut, home of Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Mississippi lawmakers want to be able to drink as much sweet tea as humanly possible. (As a fellow Mississippian, whose state has the highest rate of obesity in the nation, I can tell you: it's way more than you think.)
Tweet of the day
BILL CLINTON HAS LOST HIS MIND THINKING GEORGETOWN WILL BEAT SYRACUSE. #NOTTHISTIME— DerrickColeman (@derrickcuse) March 15, 2013
Contact Teri Weaver at: firstname.lastname@example.com, 315-470-2274 or on Twitter at @TeriKWeaver.


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|By Me1 (Me1) on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 08:34 pm: Edit
Could you please post what you got on the tests (and which book it was in) & whether you thought it was easy/harder/the same as the actual IIC.
|By Me1 (Me1) on Friday, May 16, 2003 - 08:35 pm: Edit
Sorry this is supposed to say Math IIC in the topic, but it got cut-off.
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Forest Hills Northern High School Senior Parents have hosted a Graduation Night Party since the school opened in 1978. For more than ten years the Seniors at FHN have a history of selling and making apple pies as the" major fundraiser for the event.
Over the ten years, the senior classes have averaged 2,000 pies per year. This year's goal is 2,500. Currently they are in the last two weeks of pie sales.
Seniors and their parents will work together to make the pies on Saturday, Nov. 10, just in time for Thanksgiving baking. The pies can be baked fresh that day or frozen up to six months. Pies sell for $8.50 each or 3 for $24. Order from your favorite FHN senior or contact Jama Wolf @ 954-9659 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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20 Games Like Tintin on the Moon()Tintin on the Moon
Release Date:
Amiga / Atari ST/STE
Learn more about Tintin on the Moon
Games Like Tintin on the Moon
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3 is a platform video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console. Mario and Luigi embark on a quest to save Princess Toadstool and the rulers of seven different kingdoms from the antagonist Bowser and his children, the Koopalings. The player, as Mario or Luigi, is able to defeat enemies by stomping them or using items that bestow magical powers. Mario and Luigi are given a wider range of abilities than in previous Super Mario games, including flying or sliding d...
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Super Mario World
Super Mario World (known in Japan as Super Mario World: Super Mario Bros. 4) is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System on November 21, 1990 (in Japan), August 31, 1991 (in North America), and April 11, 1992 (in Europe). One of the launch titles of the SNES (and bundled with early systems in North America), Super Mario World is the fifth main game in the Super Mario series. (starring Nintendo's mascot, Mario, and his bro...
92 / 1001494.6
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution
The latest instalment of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM series will offer players a new experience in the deep & rich NARUTO environment. Tons of new techniques, enhanced mechanics, over 100 playable characters & Support Ninjas, and a brand new exclusive character (Mecha-Naruto) designed by Masashi Kishimoto.
Sonic Mania
"It's the ultimate Sonic celebration! Sonic returns in a new 2D platforming high speed adventure, and he's not alone! Developed in collaboration between SEGA, Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, and PagodaWest Games, experience new zones and remixed classic levels with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles!"
Super Mario 64
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Super Mario 3D World
88 / 100414.4
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
Several years after his last adventure, retired fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, is forced back into the world of thieves. With the stakes much more personal, Drake embarks on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure. His greatest adventure will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he's willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves.
95 / 100704.75
Crackdown 3
Stop crime as a super-powered Agent of justice in Crackdown 3's hyper-powered sandbox of mayhem and destruction. Explore the heights of a futuristic city, race through the streets in a transforming vehicle, and use your powerful abilities to stop a ruthless criminal empire. Developed by original creator Dave Jones, Crackdown 3 delivers cooperative mayhem and an all-new multiplayer mode where destruction is your ultimate weapon.
Echelon 2D
A hail of ballistic missiles attacks you wave after wave. Shoot them down and protect your shields, but be careful because for every wave you have a limited amount of rockets! Use your rockets wisely and try to aim perfectly to trigger chain reactions! Train to improve your skills and break through the top of the leaderboard. Show off and share your highscore with your friends. How long can you survive? Echelon 2D - Features: - Strictly a skill game! - Completely free to play - Game Center leaderboard...
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a third-person puzzle-platformer and action-adventure computer and video game published by Ubisoft. It was released on November 21, 2003 and is a reboot of the landmark video game series Prince of Persia, created by Jordan Mechner in 1989. The Sands of Time, developed internally at Ubisoft Montreal, successfully captures the mechanics of the original platformer and extends it to the 3D generation. An earlier attempt by The Learning Company to transfer the game to 3...
86 / 100814.3
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time reveals the genesis of the fantasy land of Hyrule, the origin of the Triforce, and the tale of the first exploits of Princess Zelda and the heroic adventurer Link. Vibrant, real-time 3-D graphics transport you into the fantasy world of Hyrule. Your quest takes you through dense forests and across wind-whipped deserts. Swim raging rivers, climb treacherous mountains, dash on horseback across rolling hills, and delve into dungeons full of creatures that fight to the fin...
97 / 1003044.85
Made by the masters behind Project Gotham Racing and Metropolis Street Racer, Blur is a racing project by Bizarre Creations that aims to take arcade-style action and realistic driving physics to a whole new level. The game drops players into heart-pumping, electrified racing action with 20 cars on a track all targeting the finish line and battling each other as they trade paint and collect intense power-ups, including the ability to blast other cars out of the way with huge bursts of energy, boost their ...
75 / 100233.75
Vampyr is set in early 20th century Britain as the country is gripped by the lethal Spanish flu and the streets of London are crippled by disease, violence and fear. In a disorganized and ghostly city, those foolish, desperate, or unlucky enough to walk the streets lay prey to Britain's most elusive predators: the vampires. Emerging from the chaos, a tormented figure awakens. You are Jonathan E. Reid, a high-ranking military surgeon transformed into a vampire upon his return home from the frontline. Exp...
Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom
'A.O.T. Wings of Freedom' closely follows the riveting story line of Attack on Titan's first season and focuses on the exploits of various key characters, putting the player in a position to relive the anime's most shocking, courageous, and exhilarating moments. It revolves around the story of three young people who survive the destruction of their walled city district by enormous, man-eating Titans and eventually go on to join the Scout Regiment in order to protect humanity from this overpowering foe.
Uuno Turhapuro muuttaa maalle
Uuno Turhapuro muuttaa maalle is a side-scrolling video game, available for the Commodore 64. It was developed by the Finnish programmer Pasi Hytönen in 1986 and published by Amersoft, one of the first game publishers in Finland. The game is based on the popular Finnish comedy character Uuno Turhapuro (Numbskull Emptybrook), created by Spede Pasanen and played by the actor Vesa-Matti Loiri. The game was released in the same year as the movie with the same name. Uuno Turhapuro muuttaa maalle was the firs...
Mortal Kombat 2011
Prepare yourself to reenter the tournament in the triumphant return of Mortal Kombat. A complete reboot of the franchise, this latest iteration combines all-new mature oriented fighter gameplay with a deep story mode, improved graphics and game technology and new game modes to create a Mortal Kombat play experience like none before it. Feature details include: a storyline that takes players back to the original tournament, 4 player tag-team kombat, 3D TV compatibility, fatalities presented in graphic det...
93 / 100284.65
Dodonpachi Resurrection
The past is being altered. An android, known as Next EXY, has traveled one thousand years back in time. Your task is to stop NEXY and the other Elemental Daughters who were built in the image of the Elemental Dolls who once protected humanity. What is NEXY's intent? Should you attack what you shouldn't understand? Orders are orders, and Col. Godwin Longhener is not to be ignored. The legendary bullet-hell shoot-'em-up series has come to Steam with DoDonPachi Resurrection from CAVE Co., Ltd., the powerhou...
Android / Arcade / iOS / PC (Microsoft Windows) / Xbox 360
Intensive Exposure
Intensive Exposure is a fast paced game in which you have to expose yourself as many times as possible while constantly avoiding the security. Play as Moe Lester and expose yourself with grace, style and intense satisfaction whenever and wherever you can! Are you in the office? On sunday shopping? Or maybe on an afternoon trip to the museum? It doesn't matter - the time has come! But be aware, as you must protect your identity. Don't let the security get you and watch out for ladies that may like what th...
Far Cry: Primal
Gamers play as TAKKAR, a seasoned hunter and the last surviving member of his hunting group. Arriving in the majestic and savage land of Oros, players will pursue one single goal; survive in a world where humans are the prey. They will meet a cast of memorable characters who will help them push back and tame the dangers of the wild. Players will journey as the first human to tame the wilderness and rise above extinction. Along the way, they will have to hunt for food, master fire, fend off fierce pred...


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FORT MYERS, Fla. - Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford will meet with team personnel to make a plan for his return.
Crawford is sitting out this week to rest his surgically repaired left wrist. He has been seen around camp and looks unworried and fairly upbeat, though it is almost certain he will miss Opening Day.
The Boston Globe reports Crawford has not been experiencing any pain. Left-hander pitcher Andrew Miller, who was bypassed for Thursday's scheduled outing against St. Louis with elbow stiffness, is also not considered a serious case. Miller will probably throw Friday.
The Globe also reports that Andrew Bailey, who has been out with a strained latissimus muscle, will throw live batting practice Friday and probably pitch in a game Monday.
The newly acquired closer needs only about 10 innings this spring to get ready. He's had injury issues before, though, so the situation is worth watching.
On a more provocative but less meaningful subject, have y'all had enough of the Jonathan Papelbon comments about Phillies fans being smarter than Red Sox fans? ESPN.com hasn't. They're running a poll on the earthshaking subject.
As far as I'm concerned, anyone who takes precious time to vote in that poll should keep in mind Groucho Marx's old crack: "I refuse to join any club that will have me as a member.''


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Laundry day is every day at the Little League World Series
Saturday, August 23, 2014 8:07 PM
Inappropriate photo? Alert us.
Mikhaela Maneval, 20, of Williamsport, adds powder detergent to a washer at the Little League Complex in South Williamsport, Pa., Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014. Elizabeth Frantz, PennLive
Related articles
- Little League World Series laundry staff hates to see players slide August 24, 2014, 12:30 PM


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PITTSGROVE TWP. — Rev. Dave Bailey, founder of Ranch Hope, Inc., located in Alloway, is this year's recipient of the SCVTS Foundation's Leadership Award.
Rev. Bailey will be honored at the organization's annual fundraising event on Friday at the Centerton Country Club.
"We are pleased to honor Rev. Bailey for his contributions to the educational community," said Brian Timberman, chair of the educational foundation. "It is fitting that the Board of Trustees selected Rev. Bailey to be the recipient of the Leadership Award this year because it coincides with Ranch Hope's 50th Anniversary. His service and dedication to changing the lives of so many young people over the years is beyond exemplary."
In 1964, Dave Bailey founded Ranch Hope, a home for troubled youth. For more than 50 years, Ranch Hope has helped young people and their families from throughout New Jersey and the region.
In 2005 Salem Community College honored him with its Community Service Award.
Most recent honors include: 2006 Community Spirit Lifetime Achievement Award for Salem County and the 2007 Peter M. Cicchino Lifetime Achievement Award given by the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth and Families. For more than 57 years, Rev. Bailey has hosted various radio programs that are heard throughout the Northeast.
In the early years of Ranch Hope, Rev. Bailey was the host of "One Hour for Christ" talk show on Channel 29 that aired after the Flyers games.
He has been the recipient of the Jaycee Man of the Year award and Clergyman of the Year, as well as the Percy Crawford Award for Excellence in Radio Broadcasting. He is a Charter Member of the National Association of Homes for Children and an Honorary Member of the Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority.
Rev. Bailey is still active as a speaker in churches and also programs for the Ranch. He has also authored three books and is the founder and editor of the newspaper, "Salt and Light in the News."
Rev. Bailey recently produced and performed the popular musical entitled, "Dearie, Do You Remember," for the Penns Grove Historical Society. The second production entitled "Sentimental Journey" will be held in September.
"In the first Ranch Hope brochure we created in 1962," Rev. Bailey said, "we included a quote from William Carey — a minister, missionary and one of the founders of the Baptist Missionary Society. He said, 'Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.'
"This is still a great motto and it keeps me motivated every day. I am honored and humbled to be receiving this award from the Vo-Tech Foundation," Bailey continued.
"I had a vision to attempt a great thing for God in starting Ranch Hope where young men would have the opportunity to turn their lives around and God has certainly blessed this ministry and given us a great thing in having it flourish over the years."
He was previously President of the Salem County Chamber of Commerce (named Citizen of the Year in 1997) and the Alloway Ruritan Club. He served on the Board of Directors for Salem Rotary - twice as president and vice president — and now serves on the Board of the Pennsville National Bank.
Rev. Bailey is vice president of the Penns Grove/Carneys Point Historical Society, and is past president of South Jersey Methodist Camp meeting Association (South Seaville, NJ).
Rev. Bailey was born and raised in Penns Grove and graduated from the local schools. His wife is the former Eileen Brown of Penns Grove, and they have two children — Elizabeth and David Jr. — and five grandchildren.
Tickets for the Leadership Recognition and Scholarship dinner are $45 per person and tables of 8 as well as 10 are available. A silent auction will be held starting at 5 p.m. during the social hour. Sponsors are also welcome and will be recognized in a program booklet at the dinner.
For tickets or to make a contribution to the silent auction, call Bonnie Baker at 856-769-0101, ext. 5391


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Hotel Mercure Regensburg
With a stay at Mercure Hotel Regensburg in Regensburg, you'll be close to University of Regensburg and Regensburg Cathedral. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Donau Arena and Danube Mall. Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including a 24-hour health club, a sauna, and a steam room. Additional amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, a television in the lobby, and tour/ticket assistance. Featured amenities include a business center, a computer station, and express check-in. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center and meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite. Make yourself at home in one of the 159 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Choose your room
Share it
Services and terms: Hotel Mercure Regensburg
Standard Room Services
- Air Conditioning
- Satellite TV
- Hairdryer
Accommodation facilities
- Lift
- Bar/Café
- Business Centre
- Meetings Room
- Garage
- Laundry
- Medical Service
- People with reduced mobility access
- Non-smoker Rooms
- Parking
- Restaurant
- 24 hr Room Service
- Secretarial Service
Leisure facilities
- Disco
- Massage
- Sauna
Useful information: Hotel Mercure Regensburg
Other names for Hotel Mercure Regensburg:
Quality Hotel Regensburg


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Sorry, something went wrong. Please contact support .
We'll keep it simple. We are the makers of Trevvo (http://www.trevvo.com) and ExpertBooth (http://www.expertbooth.com). While we have worked on hundreds of projects, these two projects should tell you that we do top notch work and don't settle for anything less. We make quality software for discerning clients. Here are some of the benefits of choosing us as a provider: 1. Iterative development with frequent status updates and reviews 2. Comprehensive 180 day post-project support to ensure smooth transition 3. Onshore/offshore mode


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Pfizer's (NYSE: PFE ) Sutent is on a roll. Unfortunately, it's not the kind that can boost sales and increase the share price. The drug failed another clinical trial yesterday -- this time in liver cancer.
Sutent is already approved for kidney and gastrointestinal cancers and has been shown to work on pancreatic cancer as well. But to boost sales substantially, Pfizer needs to get it approved for another indication.
Things haven't worked out that way. Let's review the bidding: Testing against Roche's Xeloda in breast cancer? Fail. Against Roche's Avastin in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb's (NYSE: BMY ) Taxol? Fail. Against placebo in combination with sanofi-aventis' (NYSE: SNY ) Taxotere and another testing it when combined with Roche's Xeloda? Fail, and fail.
Breast cancer is a tough market to break into, but you'd think investors would have had higher hopes for liver cancer. After all, Bayer and Onyx Pharmaceuticals' (Nasdaq: ONXX ) Nexavar is approved for kidney cancer, just like Sutent is, while also being approved for liver cancer.
Sutent failed there, too. Pfizer stopped the trial because of higher incidence of serious adverse events and because it was clear that the trial wouldn't be able to show that Sutent was as efficient as Nexavar. The failure is a clear win for Onyx, which rose by nearly 9% today on the news.
Pfizer hasn't given up hope, though. The company is still testing Sutent in lung cancer (good luck) and prostate cancer (another tough one), and as an adjuvant in kidney cancer. The last one, treating kidney cancer patients who have surgery, could be its best option, as Pfizer has already shown that the drug works on patients with advanced kidney cancer.
Of course, Nexavar is in similar trials, so even if Sutent actually breaks its losing streak in the clinical trial realm, that may not translate to a win in the marketplace. It depends on the survival numbers for each drug's clinical trial.
Sutent may not be a winner, but Tom Gardner thinks this stock will remain one.


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Even as the Army Corps of Engineers and contractor PCCP Constructors start building combined gates and pump stations Friday at the ends of three New Orleans drainage canals, the Business Council of New Orleans & the River Region and a private engineer are conducting a last-ditch campaign to have the three stations supplied with electricity generated with natural gas at the Sewerage & Water Board's Carrollton facility.
PCCP Constructors' $614.8 million proposal for building the stations, approved last month by the corps, calls for the stations to be powered by diesel generators that will be located at each station. But engineer Bruce Thompson, who chaired a 2012 New Orleans Citizen Sewer, Water & Drainage System Reform Task Force subcommittee that studied how to redevelop the SW&B's electric power generation facilities, contends that relocating the 55 megawatts of additional generating capacity to the water board's existing power plant and using natural gas as a fuel will save $12 million per for New Orleans ratepayers, who will have to pick up operation and maintenance costs when the stations are complete.
Thompson said the corps-approved plan also will require 1 million gallons of diesel fuel to be trucked to the three stations in advance of each hurricane season for pumps that are likely to be used only during the worst storms, which means they'll be operated only every five to 10 years. In addition to the truck traffic in the three neighborhoods, the diesel engines also are likely to cause noise problems, he said.
"If we're going to recommend strategies for power within the city, we cannot ignore this elephant in the room," Thompson said in an interview.
The S&WB already is in the midst of a federally financed $250 million upgrade of the Carrollton power station, General Superintendent Joe Becker said. To meet the demands of the pump stations, he said, even more generating capacity would likely have to be added.
Thompson said the water board power plant has access to three natural gas lines, which provides it with redundancy. Plus, he said, the city's existing system of underground electric power lines supplying interior pump stations and other water, sewer and drainage facilities has never had a failure.
But corps officials say a risk assessment of the alternative by its engineers in 2011 led to its rejection.
"The results of that risk assessment did not provide compelling reasons to deviate from the on-site power generation design," which was included in the corps' proposal on which PCCP Constructors and other companies based their project bids, said Jo-Ellen Darcy, assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, in an August 2012 letter to U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans.
Richmond had joined U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, and U.S. Sens. David Vitter, R-La., and Mary Landrieu, D-La., in a July letter asking the corps to consider the centralized power facility.
Before being replaced as commander of the corps' New Orleans District office in May, Col. Ed Fleming said he agreed with the risk assessment that questioned using the S&WB power. "When it comes to the permanent pumps, there can be zero defects," said Fleming, who is now executive director for civil works at corps headquarters in Washington.
"When you press a button, the pumps have got to turn on. When you want reliable, dedicated power in your own business, you've got a generator and fuel ready to go. It's the lowest-risk, highest-reliability option."
Fleming said the S&WB alternative would require extending underground electric lines 17 miles through the city, which would result in a number of streets being torn up and the installation of more than 100 manholes.
"If the diesel generator is on site and something doesn't work, you have to go 15 to 20 feet to chase down the problem with fuel or electrical wires," he said. "When you're working with natural gas lines underground, you have no idea where the break in the line is coming from."
And he said the temporary pumps already at the three sites are using diesel generators, with no complaints from neighbors about noise or truck traffic.
But Fleming and Darcy both said they were willing to let PCCP Constructors consider the S&WB alternative during the company's design process for the stations, under a provision called "value engineering" that lets a contractor make substitutions if they are found to be equally effective and save money.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu in late May forwarded his own letter to Darcy supporting the proposal. "We are very interested in the potential savings and other benefits that could be derived from such an approach and request that the Army Corps of Engineers notify the successful offeror that submitting such a proposal would be acceptable without penalty or prejudice," Landrieu wrote.
Becker said that if PCCP Constructors found the alternative to be feasible, the S&WB would work with the partnership of three construction companies to determine how best to improve the agency's power plant.
Meanwhile, PCCP Constructors was non-committal on the proposal.
"We are carefully analyzing the feasibility of this alternative, but haven't made a final decision on it yet," said Tom Janssen, director of external affairs for the Kiewit Corp., one of the three companies partnering to form PCCP Constructors. He did not say when that decision would be made.
Friday's groundbreaking will be at 10 a.m. at the 17th Street Canal temporary gate and pump station area, off Old Hammond Highway in Metairie. It will be attended by elected officials from New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, as well as the corps and the contractor.