NY Comptroller DiNapoli examines Sandy contracts

NY Comptroller DiNapoli, after a $63K overcharge, is taking harder look at Sandy spending

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is examining the billions of dollars being spent to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy a month after he forced one vendor to cut its price by more than $63,000.

DiNapoli said last month he questioned a $330,000 bill for generators from Dynasty Chemical Corp. in Albany County. DiNapoli says he sent the invoice back to Department of Homeland Security to renegotiate a lower cost, saving $63,000.

The company declined comment Thursday.

DiNapoli says contracts issued under emergency conditions are stressful and run the risk of bid rigging, price gouging and favoritism.

He's also posting Superstorm Sandy contracts online at the comptroller's office website to increase transparency for the billions of dollars in mostly federal funds being spent on recovery.