Provides for the financing of additional projects for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing facilities in the city of Buffalo

2 Co-sponsors

• Crystal Peoples-Stokes
• Mark J.F. Schroeder

BILL NUMBER:A8920

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 605 of the laws of 2000, relating to the construction of new educational facilities, the financing of such facilities, and the financing of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing facilities in the city of Buffalo, in relation to the financing of additional projects for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing facilities in the city of Buffalo

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill authorizes the fifth phase of school reconstruction projects in the City of Buffalo by the Joint Schools Construction Board (JSCB).

Summary of specific provisions

This bill identifies nine projects that would be eligible for rehabilitation or reconstruction in the Buffalo City School District and provides an alternative financing option to ensure that the financing is done at the lowest cost possible. In addition, the bill requires the JSCB to report and provide explanatory documentation to the governor and the legislature if the total cost for the projects exceeds the estimated total project cost of $200 million. Furthermore, the bill prevents the JSCB from going forward on projects if the estimated total project costs, as determined at certain points, will exceed the sum of the estimated individual approved project costs for each building by more than the lesser of $20 million or 10% of the approved costs.

Justification

During the 2000 Session, legislation was enacted that allowed the City of Buffalo and the school district to work cooperatively to upgrade their aging educational facilities. Chapter 59 of the Laws of 2003, Chapter 421 of the Laws of 2004, Chapter 283 of the Laws of 2006 and Chapter 403 of the Laws of 2008 authorized the first, second, third and fourth phases of the financing for reconstruction and rehabilitation of projects. This legislation would authorize the fifth and final phase of the financing for reconstruction and rehabilitation of projects.

This proposal authorizes the financing of the fifth and final phase of reconstruction which will allow the City of Buffalo and the school district to continue its work by allowing them to continue to access cost effective financing. By instituting reporting requirements and limiting increases in estimated cost, the bill provides necessary oversight and accountability to ensure that public funds are utilized wisely while also allowing the Buffalo City School District to provide adequate educational facilities to their students

Prior legislative history

Similar legislation was enacted in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2008

Fiscal implications

Will give the City of Buffalo flexibility in financing school projects.

Effective date

Immediate.