State Senator John Bonacic (R/C/I – Mt. Hope), has introduced legislation (S.6311), to extend the dates when a municipality can opt into the Hurricane Irene Flood Assessment Relief act.  The new date would be December 9, 2012.  The legislation also provides that State aid will be used to off-set losses to localities who lost in excess of 2% of their taxable tax base or $10,000 in lost tax revenue, whichever is less.   

“Communities hit the hardest are unable to take advantage of this law because it will simply cost them too much in revenue they were already anticipating.  Towns adopted their budgets in November, but the new law was not enacted until December.  Therefore, this would amount to an unanticipated cost to localities who opt in.  The legislation I am putting forward will ensure that hard-hit communities can opt in, and give more time to make the decision,” Senator Bonacic said. 

The legislation will be sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo of Broome County and Assemblyman Peter Lopez, of Schoharie County.   

Town Supervisor Karl Brabenec, of Deerpark, Orange County said, “Senator Bonacic’s proposal will help towns, villages, and most importantly, people.  We in Deerpark strongly endorse it and hope the Senate and Assembly act on it.” 

Senator Bonacic met with the Governor’s Chief Counsel on the legislation yesterday.  “The Governor is very aware of the flooding devastation.  He has acted with unparalleled leadership in the wake of the floods.  I have simply never seen a more hands-on and responsive Governor in any of the disasters which have impacted my District in the past several years.  I know he is sensitive to the plight of the taxpayers, and know his office will give this serious consideration,” Senator Bonacic concluded.  

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