WASHINGTON, DC – Four members of congress representing downstate districts in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Long Island have expressed their support for the controversial 190-mile high voltage electric transmission line currently being reviewed by state regulators.

US Representatives Peter King (R-NY), Michael McMahon (D-NY), Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) added their names to a letter addressed to New York State Governor David Paterson which communicates their “strong support” for the New York Regional Interconnect project.

“We know you share our bipartisan commitment to doing everything possible to ensure that this and future generations of New Yorkers have safe and reliable access to energy. We believe that NYRI can be an important part of fulfilling that commitment,” read the missive, which stressed the benefits of the line to “millions of New Yorkers.”