New York Power Authority Donates Computers to West Harlem Art Fund Inc. to Develop Historic Tour

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Connie M. Cullen
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connie.cullen@nypa.gov

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January 24, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced today the donation of computer equipment to the West Harlem Art Fund, Inc., as part of NYPA’s program to make its surplus, late model computers available to public facilities statewide, with special emphasis on educational programs and community-service projects.

“Computers and culture come together, inspired by Governor George E. Pataki’s initiatives encouraging technology in education, as the West Harlem Art Fund uses NYPA’s expertly refurbished computers to help develop 21st Century tourism for the historic Heights communities,” said Louis P. Ciminelli, chairman, New York Power Authority.

NYPA recently delivered five computers to the West Harlem Art Fund, a cultural arts and preservation organization serving the West Harlem and Washington Heights communities. The West Harlem Art Fund will use this equipment for administration and development of a cultural tourism initiative, including a new hybrid-electric shuttle-bus loop, in Harlem.

“NYPA, as a national leader in clean transportation programs, enthusiastically supports the West Harlem Art Fund’s proposed cultural bus loop of the recently designated Heights Heritage Area as it plans to use clean hybrid-electric shuttles reinforcing Governor Pataki’s goals for a better environment.”

“The West Harlem Art Fund, Inc., is very appreciative of the support the New York Power Authority has provided to us. For a small organization, it is reassuring to know that one can be rewarded for doing good and working hard. We are also very happy that Governor Pataki along with the New York State Northern Manhattan Delegation to the Senate and Assembly supported our five year effort in realizing the 18th State Heritage Area in the great State of New York—the newly established Heights Heritage Area,” said Savona Bailey McClain, executive director, West Harlem Art Fund, Inc.

The Power Authority utilizes about 1,700 computers in its normal operation and replaces about 400 to 500 computers each year. The surplus equipment is thoroughly cleaned and provided with a minimum of 64 megabytes of memory. The computers have been tested with a new installation of the operating system, and any missing or broken parts have been replaced.

NYPA’s computer donation program began in 2002 and has, so far, distributed computers to schools and other public organizations in Niagara Falls, the Bronx, Utica, Riverhead and Queens.

The West Harlem Art Fund utilizes art and culture in open, public spaces to add aesthetic interest to the West Harlem and Washington Heights, promote historical and cultural heritage, and foster a sense of community involvement and development.