UTICA, N.Y. - Joined by area state Legislators, as well as local and federal officials, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today called upon Oneida County residents to turn out and speak out against the New York Regional Interconnect proposal at the upcoming October 22nd Public Service Commission hearings at the Utica campus of Mohawk Valley Community College.

On Oct. 22nd, PSC staff will provide informational forums at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to discuss the administrative operations of the PSC’s handling of the proposal.

Public Statement Hearings follow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the MVCC Theater. It is not necessary to make an appointment in advance or to present written material in order to speak at the public statement hearing. Speakers will be called after completing a card requesting time to speak. The hearing will remain open and will continue until everyone wishing to speak has been heard.

“We know that this project is a bad idea that would cause terrible destruction and devastation across Oneida County,” Picente said. “This is our chance to make sure the state PSC understands the impacts of this project on our area and fully understands the flaws in NYRI’s project. Our state legislators and our County Government are doing everything we can to stop this project, but we need the voice of the people to leave no doubt in the PSC’s mind about how this region feels about this project.

Picente was joined by Utica Mayor David Roefaro, Senators Joseph Griffo and David Valesky, Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito and Assemblyman David Townsend. Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steven DiMeo, who has been coordinating the local effort against NYRI, also joined the event. Congressman Michael Arcuri, who could not attend, also showed has support for the effort to fight the line by sending a representative of his office.

“For the past two years, this community has shown an outstanding level of commitment, unity and perseverance in our fight against NYRI,” Picente said. “I strongly urge everyone who feels the way I do – that this project must be stopped – to make the time to put your feelings on record.”

Picente said that during the Public Statement Hearings, members of the public can present comments before the Administrative Law Judges assigned by the Commission to this case. A transcript of the hearing will be included in the PSC’s official records.

In addition to the formal hearing, comments may be mailed to Jaclyn A. Brilling, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. Your comments should refer to "Case 06-T-0650 – NYRI Transmission Line Proceeding.”