Permits the town of Warwick to utilize preservation funds for the implementation of water quality improvement projects.
Impact
If passed, this legislation will allow the town of Warwick to allocate up to 10% of its community preservation funds specifically for water quality improvement initiatives. This marks a significant shift in how local preservation funds can be utilized, emphasizing the intersection of environmental stewardship and community preservation. Furthermore, any unused funds allocated for this purpose may be carried forward to future budgets, promoting continuous improvement in water management efforts.
Summary
Bill S07677, introduced by Senator Skoufis, seeks to amend the town law specifically for the town of Warwick. The primary aim of this bill is to permit the utilization of preservation funds for the implementation of water quality improvement projects. This introduces a new aspect to the community preservation fund that the town can leverage for essential environmental projects. The proposal is timely, given the increasing concerns regarding water quality in various communities across New York State.
Contention
Potential points of contention surrounding Bill S07677 may relate to how this bill leverages existing funds and its implications for local government authority in managing environmental projects. While proponents argue that it provides necessary resources for essential improvements, critics may raise concerns about the limits on fund utilization and how it aligns with broader environmental policies statewide. The bill reflects an evolving legislative approach to empower local governments in tackling water quality issues while maintaining community character.
Relates to the Peconic Bay region community preservation funds; defines "disadvantaged communities"; provides that funds utilized for water quality improvement projects may be carried forward from year to year for utilization in future budgets and not less than ten percent of the annual proceeds of the fund shall be utilized to benefit disadvantaged communities; provides that management and stewardship funds may only be expended for projects related to lands acquired for open space preservation and historic preservation purposes; makes related provisions.
Relates to the Peconic Bay region community preservation funds; defines "disadvantaged communities"; provides that funds utilized for water quality improvement projects may be carried forward from year to year for utilization in future budgets and not less than ten percent of the annual proceeds of the fund shall be utilized to benefit disadvantaged communities; provides that management and stewardship funds may only be expended for projects related to lands acquired for open space preservation and historic preservation purposes; makes related provisions.
Approves land transactions relating to the implementation of the land exchange for the forest preserve health and safety land account and public utility improvements.