By Tom Nicholson
Councilman Peter Vallone (D-Astoria) last month urged Spitzer to investigate the legality of the bidding process that was involved in granting the Astoria Energy company a contract with Con Edison to build the plant, which will be located at 17-19 Steinway St.
“The state rigged a deal with Con Edison to get Astoria Energy a 10-year contract in order to finance this project,” Vallone said. He added that Gianaris and Onorato are evaluating the information received and a decision will be made as to how to proceed in the near future.
Vallone and Gianaris also urged Spitzer to investigate the legality of a proposal to use Liberty Bonds to finance part of the project. About $400 million in Liberty Bonds, federal funds earmarked to assist redevelopment following the Sept. 11 terrorist acts, are proposed to help fund the power plant project.
“I intend to do whatever I can to shed light on the illegal and questionable aspects of the (Astoria Energy) Project,” Gianaris said. “Whether it be the illegal use of 9/11 Liberty Bonds or the suspicious bidding process for the Con Edison project.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) is addressing the issue at the federal level, calling for an investigation of the alleged improper use of Liberty Bonds.
“It's wrong to divert 9/11 aid from the areas most in need to a distant power plant project widely opposed by the Queens community,” Maloney said. “This project is way off the mark of what Congress intended for the use of Liberty Bonds.”
The proposed 1,000-megawatt Astoria Energy plant has also prompted outcries of protest from Astoria residents and Vallone who say the plant will impact the quality of life in the community.
“It is never a good thing when more emissions are introduced into Astoria without any of the older plants being shut down,” Vallone said. “We need to redouble our efforts to fight against new power plants such as the Astoria Energy project.”
Reach Reporter Tom Nicholson by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by calling 718-229-0300. Ext. 157.
