Creates the Syracuse regional airport authority

1 Co-sponsor

• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S3250A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to creating the Syracuse regional airport authority

Purpose

This legislation creates the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority which will facilitate adequate, safe, secure and efficient aviation and transportation facilities at a reasonable cost to the people.

Summary of provisions

This bill amends Article 8 of the Public Authorities Law to add a new Title 34, which would provide for the creation of the Greater Syracuse Airport Authority to provide safe and efficient air transportation by enhancing the airport capacity and improving and expanding aviation and related facilities. The bill establishes the powers and duties of the Authority and grants it the power to issue up to $200 million in bonds, provides that the State and Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse shall not be liable for the Authority bonds, generally exempts the Authority from fees, taxes, levies or assessments on real property owned by it or under its authority, notwithstanding that the Authority shall take over and continue to be responsible for property tax agreements already entered into by the City of Syracuse prior to the establishment of the Authority.

The bill further provides for an 11 member authority, who shall be appointed as follows: seven shall be appointed by the mayor of the city of Syracuse, one shall be appointed by the county executive of Onondaga County, one shall be appointed by the town board of the town of DeWitt, one shall be appointed by the board of education of the East Syracuse Minoa School District, and one shall be appointed for a period of one year, alternately, by the board of education of the North Syracuse Central School District and the town board of the town of Salina, Cicero or Clay.

Justification

This bill will stimulate the economy of Onondaga County and promote increased local, state, national and international air travel into the region. In addition, the safety and security of air travelers requires coordinated operation of aviation facilities and services through a public benefit corporation. Both of these objectives are satisfied through this bill and Hancock International Airport will greatly benefit the people of Central New York in both the economic stimulation of the areas and increased security in air travel.

Legislative history

A.9446 of 2010

Fiscal implications

None to the State. The Syracuse Airport is currently managed by the City of Syracuse, so if enacted, this bill will remove those obligations from the City to the new authority.

Effective date

Immediately.