Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s nominee to lead the New York Power Authority – and its operations in the North Country -- has been spending time getting to know lawmakers and their ideas before his name comes up for confirmation in the state Senate.

Gil Quinones, acting president and CEO of the Power Authority, met recently with Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, who sits on the Senate Energy Committee, and the senator said she was impressed with his depth of knowledge and obvious concern for the needs of our region.”

Ritchie said they discussed two key issues that could deliver new jobs in the region: the proposed Eagle Creek cogeneration project in Ogdensburg, and resolving contract issues with the St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency (RVRDA).

“I’ve been working with NYPA for several months on both of these projects and I told Mr. Quiniones that I appreciate his assistance and his efforts,” she said. “NYPA is an important partner in our efforts to help create jobs and improve our region’s economy.”

The Power Authority operates the St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project and the Robert Moses-Robert H. Saunders Power Dam in the St. Lawrence River near Massena jointly with Canadian authorities, in addition to the Niagara Power Project and other facilities.

Quiniones’ nomination will be voted on by the full Senate.