Governor Andrew Cuomo's Buffalo Billion initiative is under investigation by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, according to The New York Post.
The Postis reporting the probe is focused on the multi-million-dollar contracts awarded to construct facilities for high-tech, drug development and clean-energy businesses. The paper indicates several companies involved have already been subpoenaed.
Bharara's investigation extends beyond the boundaries of his downstate district and into U.S. Attorney William Hochul's Western Region.
The Post reports it's not clear whether Hochul recused himself or whether he was even aware of the investigation. Hochul's wife is Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul.
Previously, local independent media outlet Investigative Post criticized the Buffalo Billion project as a "costly experiment" that is "beset by secrecy and politics." Investigative Post also reported that information sought through the Freedom of Information Law was withheld until a lawsuit forced that information to be released. When that happened, according to IP, critical information was stripped from what was provided.
The outlet also previously reported that developer Louis Ciminelli, whose firm was awarded two major projects including Solar City, is a major contributor to Cuomo's two successful gubernatorial campaigns, chipping in a total $96,500.
Under question is whether the original rules of the request for proposals to build SolarCity unfairly favored Ciminelli. The IP report indicates the original text detailed a requirement for more than 50 years experience in local construction, a criterion which would rule out other companies. Although it was revised to say "15 years," LPCiminelli was still awarded the SolarCity project.
Cuomo was in Lake George on Friday morning, touting the success of the Buffalo Billion. When asked about the investigation, he said he was unaware of it. He also told reporters upstate not to read too much into the investigation.
"That does not mean ... anyone did anything wrong," Cuomo said. "I was Attorney General, I started a lot of investigations to gather information. But, it doesn't mean because there's an investigation there's anything wrong."
With so much money being spent, and with what's at stake in terms of development and jobs, local State Assemblyman Michael Kearns says there should be transparency and oversight. It's why he supports the probe.
"What I think the taxpayers want to know is where the money is and how it's been spent," Kearns said during an appearance in Buffalo. "For me, whenever a government agency or legislator or reporter wants to know where taxpayer money has been spent, I don't have a problem with any type of investigation or oversight."