Democrat urges probe of Puerto Rico power contract to Zinke neighbor
Nation Oct 24, 2017 5:54 PM EDT
WASHINGTON A Democratic congressman on Tuesday called for an investigation into a $300 million contract awarded to a small company based in Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkes hometown of Whitefish, Montana.
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority awarded the contract to Whitefish Energy Holdings to help crews restore transmission and distribution lines damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Maria.
Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, senior Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said Congress needs to understand why the Whitefish contract was awarded and whether other, more cost-effective options were available.
The Interior Department denied that Zinke, a former Montana congressman, played any role in the contract award. Zinkes son had a summer job at a Whitefish construction site.
More:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/democrat-urges-probe-of-puerto-rico-power-contract-to-zinke-neighbor
LBN:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10141896804