Jun 25, 2008 — 50 years ago, the Moses-Saunders power dam began producing electricity from the St. Lawrence River in Massena. It forever changed the North Country's environment, economy, and culture. The dam also gave birth to a state-owned utility called the New York Power Authority. Today, NYPA owns 18 generating plants and is one of the most politically powerful authorities in New York. It's developed a reputation for secrecy and patronage. There are widespread calls for NYPA's reform. Yesterday, the Power Authority celebrated 50 years of harnessing the waters of the St. Lawrence in a small event on the middle of the dam. As David Sommerstein reports, it was a ceremony full of contradictions.