Legislator Tim Kennedy reported this week that the New York Power Authority is again attempting to snub Erie County, this time by refusing to meet with the Erie County Economic Development Committee.

Timothy Carey, President and CEO of the New York Power Authority met with the Niagara Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 13 but refused an invitation to discuss power issues with the Erie County's Economic Development Committee, according to Committee Chair, Timothy Kennedy, 2nd District Erie County Legislator.

Carey's refusal "is another disappointing example of NYPA's unwillingness to seize the moment and work with those who want to work together," said Kennedy, co-sponsor of a recent Erie County Legislature resolution supporting increased hydropower allocations at the Delphi Corporation. Noting the interconnected and interdependent nature of the economies of Niagara and Erie Counties in his April 7 letter to NYPA, Kennedy asked for the meeting "to discuss face to face the set-aside of the 37 megawatts offered to Wacker Chemical for the purposes of directing the available hydropower to spur the economic development of Western New York."

Carey's refusal to meet with Erie County Legislators came in a phone call on Monday, April 10 to Kennedy from Brian Vattimo, NYPA Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs, who told Kennedy they refused to meet on the 13th without elaborating as to why.

"NYPA's refusal to meet with Erie County representatives while in Western New York to meet with Niagara County business leaders is an irresponsible reply and I will be sponsoring a resolution requesting a meeting with Mr. Carey to ensure all of Western New York gets its fair share of answers and assistance from the New York Power Authority," concluded Kennedy.

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