Big Public Authorities Control Board Vote This Week as Investigations Continue

By Nick Reisman New York State

PUBLISHED 9:04 PM ET May. 23, 2016

ALBANY, N.Y. -- As a little-known state entity considers approval of another $485 million for the under-investigation Buffalo Billion plan, some Western New York lawmakers say the project is too important to the area to be put on hold.

"The question is posed: Should the project be held up because of whatever investigations are going on?" asked state Sen. Pat Gallivan, R-Elma. "I think not."

The money to be voted on Wednesday is slated to be sent to a non-profit formed by SUNY Polytechnic, which is under investigation by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The U.S. Attorney's Office is also investigating economic development projects, including the signature Buffalo Billion program, but Gallivan says the Public Authorities Control Board's decision should be based strictly on the merits of the project.

"They should look at it as a construction project, they should look at its performance, they should make a decision based on those particular things, but I don't see the two as connected," Gallivan said.

Other lawmakers from Western New York, however, question the overall premise of the spending, regardless of the investigations.

"Putting aside the investigations, that can really be separate. I think the PACB should look at the return on investment with this project. I think the PACB should look at whether there was something that changed this spring," said Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-Kenmore.

Schimminger has concerns with the lack of oversight for projects that fall under spending for the Buffalo Billion, and questions why the money is needed now for RiverBend, the site of factory for SolarCity, which has been struggling financially.

"The state comptroller's normal oversight doesn't occur here. The normal processes for building a building don't apply here," Schimminger said. "Because of that, it's very difficult for legislators or probably even the state comptroller to track this project."

The Public Authorities Control Board is expected to vote on whether to approve the $485 million on Wednesday. The vote was delayed a week, officials said, because of scheduling.