NEWS
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New NYPA Trustee, James Besha of Albany County, Brings Decades of Experience in Energy Industry Contact: July 2, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) newest trustee, James A. Besha of the Town of Berne in Albany County, attended his first Power Authority board meeting on June 26, after being confirmed by the New York State Senate to a five-year term. “Jim Besha brings impressive credentials to the oversight role he’ll be undertaking as one of seven members of the New York Power Authority board,” said Frank S. McCullough, Jr., NYPA chairman. “As the head of a consulting engineering firm specializing in hydroelectric generation projects, he is a perfect fit for NYPA, whose large hydro facilities on the St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers provide some of New York State’s cleanest, lowest cost and most reliable electricity.” “I appreciate the confidence that Governor Spitzer has shown in nominating me to the NYPA board,” said Besha. “I hope to contribute to the vital role the Power Authority plays for New York State’s electric power system by drawing upon my experiences in the energy industry. I’m looking forward to working closely with Chairman McCullough and NYPA’s new president and CEO, Roger Kelley, in supporting the Governor’s creative energy strategies for clean, diversified sources of power and enhanced energy efficiency.” Besha, a licensed professional engineer, is president of Albany Engineering Corporation and has been involved with the planning, development, design, construction management and operation of hydroelectric projects both in the U.S. and internationally. In addition, Besha has provided engineering services for numerous hydroelectric, flood control and water supply dams. Besha has been in private engineering practice since 1971. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded wide-ranging public works projects involving water resources, energy conservation and electric generation. He has received recognition for his innovative designs for environmentally sound hydroelectric projects and his commitment to creating new sources of clean power. His numerous professional affiliations include the American Society of Civil Engineers, New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Society of Mining Engineers and the United States Society on Dams. He has been honored with the Young Engineer of the Year Award from the NYSSPE and the New York State Consulting Engineers Council Award for Engineering Excellence. Besha graduated from Syracuse University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He is married to the former Joyce Beaudett, and they have three children. About NYPA: ■ NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. |
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