NYPA Planning Public Hearing on Proposed Allocation of Lower Cost Power for Hudson River Park

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Michael Saltzman
914-390-8181
michael.saltzman@nypa.gov

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October 28, 2003

NEW YORK—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will hold a public hearing in December on a proposed contract that would make lower-cost electricity available for Hudson River Park, a waterfront area under development on the west side of Manhattan.

The power would be sold to the Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT), a public benefit corporation charged with developing and operating the new 550-acre park, which extends over a five-mile distance, from Battery Park, in lower Manhattan, to 59th Street.

The contract, which is subject to the approval of Governor George E. Pataki, would provide about 500 kilowatts (kw) of power for various public facilities and street lights.

The Power Authority trustees Tuesday authorized NYPA staff to issue formal notice of the public hearing on the proposed allocation. The hearing is scheduled for Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. at NYPA’s midtown offices at 501 Seventh Ave.

HRPT would be the latest downstate public agency to receive discount-priced NYPA electricity, joining 114 other governmental customers in the area. They include New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Westchester County.

Legislation signed by Governor Pataki in 1998 led to the creation of the new park, which is in various stages of development, with one major section now open. Once completed, the outdoor space will include a total of 13 public piers, a continuous waterfront esplanade, a bikeway/walkway, playgrounds, ball fields, lawns, gardens and fountains.

In addition to New York City and Westchester County public agencies, the New York Power Authority’s other customers include businesses that receive discount-priced electricity in return for job commitments; municipal electric systems and rural cooperatives; and investor-owned utilities.