Judge orders company to divulge parts location

CANTON — A Canadian company has a month to disclose the location of several generator parts for the village of Potsdam's $3.5 million hydroelectric project, an acting state Supreme Court judge has ruled.

Judge Barbara R. Potter on July 22 ordered Canadian Turbines Inc., Burlington, Ontario, to provide information about several key components needed to finish work on the stalled hydroelectric facility.

The village filed a breach of contract suit earlier this month against Canadian Turbines, seeking $1,109,945, along with $800,000 for not delivering the parts by a specific time, court records show. The village also wants a written agreement from the company stating a timeline for delivery of the parts.

The village went to state Supreme Court recently to force Canadian Turbines to disclose the information. Company owner Richard Kuiper didn't appear for several court dates, but sent a letter to the court arguing that under Canadian law, he is exempt from providing Potsdam village officials with a list of his parts suppliers.

Court and village officials said they haven't heard from the company since early June.

"We're continuing to move forward," Potsdam Village Administrator Michael D. Weil said Wednesday.

Mr. Kuiper is expected to receive the paperwork from a Canadian process server in the coming days, Mr. Weil said. The company will then have 30 days to comply with the judge's order.

The ruling didn't include what happens if Canadian Turbine fails to provide the information.

The village has received just $290,000 in parts and equipment from Canadian Turbines despite paying the company $1,109,945 to supply components for its hydroelectric project, court records show.

The village entered into a $1,387,432 agreement with the company in June 2007 for turbines, generators and other key components for the project.

Mr. Kuiper did not return a call Wednesday for comment.