See a helicopter near power lines in NY? This is likely why

(WHAM) - Several reports and calls have been made to newsrooms and authorities over the last couple weeks, asking about a helicopter hovering near power lines.

Is the helicopter having mechanical problems?

Is the pilot in danger?

New York Power Authority (NYPA) officials said there is no need to worry.

Helicopters have been working on the final phase of a $153 million construction project to build new digital communication systems on NYPA transmission lines. The crews out in the helicopters are installing fiberoptic cables along the lines.

The project, referred to as the Communications Backbone initiative, began in 2017 and plans to connect the 16 power generating NYPA facilities to its White Plains office and the Integrated Smart Operations Center.

The program is estimated to be completed some time in 2022.