Updated Buffalo Billion diversity numbers

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Figures released Wednesday by developer LPCiminelli show diversity hiring goals are being met on the construction of SolarCity’s plant at Riverbend. The goals call for minorities to work 15 percent, and women to work 5 percent, of hours on the project. The numbers released Wednesday show 16 percent of the hours to date been worked by minorities and 6 percent by women.

The disclosure comes after Investigative Post reported that the minority hiring goal on the project was lowered from the 25 percent originally announced to 15 percent. State officials now say the higher goal was only “aspirational.”

The change in the goals has been criticized by Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant and some local community groups, which have called for an independent diversity monitor on the site and the reinstatement of the 25 percent goal.