NYPA approves second phase of security upgrades

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 17, 2005

The New York Power Authority trustees approved $15 million in expenditures for the second phase of an ongoing security enhancement program on Dec. 13.

The program is part of the statewide public power utility’s continuing efforts for the safety and security of its generating and transmission facilities and administrative offices across New York state, including the NYPA Pump Generating Station and Power Vista in Lewiston.

The NYPA stepped up its security efforts after the terrorist attacks from Sept. 11, 2001, in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies to ensure that its facilities are well protected. This corresponded with increased investments for safeguarding the state’s key infrastructure.

Additional physical barriers, perimeter fence and gate modifications, and changes to access control and lighting were among the enhancements under the first phase of NYPA’s security enhancement program, for $13 million in expenditures. The second phase augments those measures with further enhancements, as the Power Authority continues to bolster its security systems in 2006 and 2007, and assesses the benefits of additional improvements.