The NYS Public Service Commission approved the Article X pre-construction compliance filing for the Empire Generating project. This approval allows construction to begin on the $700 million project, a 635 net megawatt (MW) combined cycle natural gas fired power plant to be located at 75 Riverside Ave. The initial phases of construction will consist of site clearing and grading as well as the installation of test piles. This work began March 10th. Empire Generating Co., LLC, owner of the project, has retained its affiliate FirstLight Power Resources, Inc. to manage the construction and eventual operation of the project. "We are very pleased that the pre-construction compliance filing has been approved and construction can now officially begin," said FirstLight president and CEO Curt Morgan. "This project will be a great asset to the state and region by providing a variety of economic benefits including the creation of jobs, millions of dollars in local and state tax revenue, and clean, reliable electricity for N.Y. citizens and businesses." The benefits of the Empire Generating project are estimated to total $290 million over a 20-year period. FirstLight, headquartered in Hartford, Conn., owns or manages a combined fleet of 2,200 megawatts in N.Y., Conn., and Mass.