Ceretto looking into NYPA hiring practices

Reports of energy giant using out-of-state workers on local taxpayer-funded project

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-Lewiston, sent a letter Tuesday to New York Power Authority President and CEO Gil Quinones to discover if NYPA hired out-of-state workers to complete a new taxpayer-funded construction project at Artpark in Lewiston.

"I am troubled by reports that our local workers are now being passed over for state-funded projects," Ceretto said. "What is going on here? This effrontery toward the people of Western New York must end, and the governor and the Legislature must hold NYPA accountable for its actions if these reports hold true."

"This is a travesty," said Dick Pallidino, business manager for Laborers Local 91. "We are not going to sit idly by as NYPA gives taxpayer-funded jobs to out-of-state workers. We are going to take this injustice to Mr. Quinones all the way up to the governor to make certain that local workers, those paying taxes to help fund these projects, are given jobs before out-of-state companies."

Ceretto has requested a full briefing on contracts awarded for Artpark to find out if out-of-state workers have been hired to complete the project.

"I look forward to discussing this issue with Mr. Quinones at length, and I am hopeful that we can resolve it in such a manner that it does not happen again," Ceretto said.

Attached is the letter Assemblyman Ceretto sent to NYPA