Thruway Authority to Issue RFI to Solicit Information & Feedback from Wind Turbine Industry

ALBANY, NY (01/08/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson and the New York State Thruway Authority today announced the Thruway Authority's intention to issue a Request for Information (RFI) on Monday, January 11, 2010, to solicit information from the wind turbine power industry to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) to encourage the submission of high quality proposals from experienced wind power developers willing to assist the Authority in furthering its stewardship commitments.

"My goal to meet 45% of the State's electricity needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy is one of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the nation," said Governor Paterson. "Last month I accepted the State Energy Plan which provides a detailed roadmap for achieving this clean energy target, and one of the recommendations is to inventory State-owned land that is suitable for renewable energy development. I commend the Thruway Authority for acting so swiftly to help us implement this piece of the State Energy Plan."

In fulfilling a commitment to one of the Thruway Authority's core principles, environmental stewardship, and to assist in the attainment of the State's Renewable Energy Portfolio goals, the Authority is seeking to realize revenue and/or reduce its non-renewable electric utility costs by using its Right-of-Way assets for the building of wind turbines while promoting environmentally friendly technologies along the Thruway in Western New York.

"Steadfast in its commitment to protecting and enhancing New York's environment, the Thruway Authority has been managing construction projects, activities and assets in a manner that preserves natural and cultural resources," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. "The Thruway Authority is eager to hear from the wind power development industry as to how it can work towards a more sustainable environment and making New York a greener State, benefiting all New Yorkers."

The Thruway Authority's decision whether or not it will pursue this initiative and issue an RFP will depend largely on the feedback and information it receives in response to the RFI. Given the time required to successfully undertake this endeavor, it is likely an RFP would not be issued before the Summer of 2010.

The Thruway Authority provides motorists from within New York State and beyond with a safe, well-maintained 570-mile superhighway system. All of the Authority's efforts reflect a commitment to customer service, safety and the environment.

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