Hydropower is an emissions-free, renewable, reliable and locally distributed source of electricity. It provides important economic, environmental, and recreational benefits to New Hampshire. Small hydro plants pay millions of dollars per year in state and local property taxes, businesses taxes, lease-payments for state-owned dams, and water-user fees for state and federal impoundments. Although small hydro facilities are not labor-intensive, GSHA plants directly employ more than 50 New Hampshire residents and purchase an estimated $1 million per year in supplies and services from companies statewide. Furthermore, GSHA plants remove on average 100 tons of trash per year from the rivers, and many provide and maintain recreational facilities including boat ramps, portage facilities and picnic areas.