Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello on Sunday said he is asking the island’s governing board to “immediately” cancel the controversial contract with a Montana energy firm to rebuild the U.S. island territory’s power lines.
Whitefish Energy Holdings, a company from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s hometown, was awarded the $300 million deal with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority earlier in October, despite only having two employees when Hurricane Maria hit last month.
“The decision announced today is intended to reaffirm our commitment to transparency in the contracting process in the Government of Puerto Rico and to achieve the highest degree of efficiency possible in the restoration of the power grid of our island, in the shortest amount of time possible,” Rossello said during a press conference Sunday morning.
Ante las informaciones que han trascendido, le solicitamos a la Junta de Gobierno de la @AEEONLINE que cancele contrato de Whitefish Energy. pic.twitter.com/YI6jyDXrfJ
— Ricardo Rossello (@ricardorossello) October 29, 2017
During a press conference Sunday morning, Rossello said he has requested Florida and New York send more brigades and materials to the U.S. territory to make up for the potential cancellation.
“I have given instructions to immediately proceed with the necessary coordination with the states of Florida and New York, in order for brigades and equipment to arrive on the island,” Rossello said.
The governor said he is working with Gov. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., to coordinate the assistance.
Rossello’s proposed cancellation follows his order for an inspector general investigation into the contracting process.
The White House and Zinke have pushed back on allegations of involvement with the agreement, and have encouraged congressional inquiries to clear them of any wrongdoing.
Earlier, Whitefish executives lashed out at San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz on Twitter after she spoke out about the “alarming” nature of the contract.29 minutes ago
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