Creates the Peconic Bay regional transportation council; repealer

BILL NUMBER:S1459A

Title of bill

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to creating the Peconic Bay regional transportation council; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

This legislation would create the Peconic Bay Regional Transportation Council. This council would coordinate a proposal for the development of an improved public transit system for the region.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Legislative findings

Article 5M: Peconic Bay Transportation Council

Section 119aaa: Definitions

Section 119bbb: Creates the Peconic Bay Transportation Council, establishes guidelines for membership to the Council.

Section 119ccc: Establishes the powers and duties of the Council.

Section 119ddd: States that every State agency shall offer full cooperation to the Council.

Section 119eee: Directs the council to prepare an implementation report for the transportation plan for the Peconic Bay region.

Section 119fff: Requires the Peconic Bay Regional Transportation Council's submission of the approved plan to the Legislature no later than 30 days after such approval.

Justification

Expending traffic congestion in the Peconic Bay region has resulted in deteriorating traffic safety, declining air quality, parking problems and adverse impacts to the historical and rural resources of the area and has impeded further growth and development in the region. In order to preserve the tourism industry and provide comfort for the permanent residents of the region, the issue of traffic congestion must be addressed.

As the unique geography of the region does not permit highway expansion, the solution lies with the expansion of the public transit system in the region.

This legislation would create an entity to coordinate the local governments, state government and federal government and other interested parties to create and establish a successful public transit initiative for the Peconic Bay region. Bringing the stakeholders and community members together in the development of the plan will ensure an open and comprehensive decision making process.

Legislative history

2009: S.3181B 2007-08: S.1235 2005-06: S.6670

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall remain in full force and effect until December 31, 2017 when upon such date the provisions of this act shall expire and be deemed repealed.