Hydropower upgrades have forced the temporary closure of a fountain at a popular site in Ulster County.
The fountain at Ashokan Reservoir has been shut down until mid-August while the New York Power Authority upgrades its below-ground hydropower facilities. A spokesman for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection explains that water runs to the fountain only when NYPA’s below-ground hydropower turbines are in service. The shutdown was needed to update control mechanisms on the two turbine units. A fence has been installed and signs are posted around the work area for public safety. The 5-acre park area around the fountain will remain open during the upgrades.
