Creates the Niagara River Greenway Commission administrative fund and authorizes the expenditure of the monies in the fund

BILL NUMBER:A8609

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law and the state finance law, in relation to establishing an administrative fund for the Niagara River Greenways Commission

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish an administrative fund that will offset the cost of administrative expenses of the Niagara River Greenway Commission.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1- section 39.09 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law is amended by adding a new subdivision 9-a. This new subdivision expends funds deposited into the Niagara River Greenway Commission administrative fund established in subdivision (k) of section eighty-three of the state finance law;

Section 2- section 83 of the state finance law is amended by adding a new subdivision (k); this new subdivision calls for a special account within the conservation fund to be known as the Niagara River Greenway Commission administrative fund. The sum of approximately $ 175,000 of all moneys, revenue, and interest received as a result of licensing fees paid by the public for use of lands within the boundaries of the.Niagara River Greenway shall be deposited into the fund annually and made available to the Niagara River Greenway Commission, exclusively for administrative expenses of the Niagara Rover Greenway Commission. All monies shall be paid out on the audit and warrant of the comptroller. on vouchers certified and approved by the chair of the Niagara River Greenway Commission, or by an officer or employee of the Niagara River Greenway Commission,

Section 3- gives the effective date.

Justification

The Niagara River is very important to the ecology, history, economy, recreation, and character of the Western New York region. The Niagara River is also a nationally important scenic and environmental resource. In recognition of these facts, New York State created the Niagara River Greenway Commission to guide the future planning for a 'Niagara River Greenway". The Greenway is a system of trails, parks, environmental resources and other important assets along the Niagara River. This bill will authorize a funding mechanism from licensing.fees paid by the public for use of lands within the boundaries of the Niagara River Greenway. These fees will assist the Niagara River Greenway Commission in the future efforts to maintain and improve the Niagara River Greenway.

Prior legislative history

none

Fiscal implications

No fiscal impact to the state

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately