Grants each of the representatives of the counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Rockland a vote during the proceedings of the metropolitan transportation authority

4 Co-sponsors

• John J. Bonacic
• Vincent L. Leibell
• Thomas P. Morahan
• Stephen M. Saland

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to granting each of the representatives of the counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Rockland on the metropolitan transportation authority a vote

Purpose

Presently, the counties of Dutchess. Orange, Putnam and Rockland are granted only partial representation on the MTA Board. This legislation will increase the voting power, and thus the representation, of the four Hudson Valley counties, commonly referred to as the "quarter-pounders" on the MTA Board. Currently, representatives from these four counties can cast only one collective vote. Instead of one collective vote, this legislation authorizes these counties one full vote for each county.

These four counties have been with only one collective vote on the MTA Board since first being granted representation in 1987. Since then, the population of these counties have exploded and the number of New York City commuters who have migrated and now reside in the upstate counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland has increased dramatically. In comparison, the commuter counties of Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk each have one full vote. The four Hudson Valley counties should have a greater voice on the MTA Board because of its increase in population of resident commuters and because of each counties substantial financial contribution to the MTA.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends section 1263 (1)(a)(1) of the Public Authorities Law to provide that members of the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland shall cast one vote each, rather than one collective vote.

Legislative history

S.904 of 2007/2008

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately. provided that the amendments to subparagraph 1 of paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 1263 of the Public Authorities law made by section one of this act shall be subject to the expiration and reversion of such paragraph pursuant to section 3 of chapter 549 of the laws of 1994. as amended. when upon such date the provisions of section two of this act shall take effect.