Enacts the "Niagara parks reinvestment act"

BILL NUMBER:S1107

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law and the state finance law, in relation to enacting the "Niagara parks reinvestment act"

Purpose

This legislation would create the "Niagara Parks Reinvestment Act" which would constitute 50% of the vehicle use fees collected at any state park located wholly or partially in Niagara County, such revenue would be reinvested into capital improvements in state parks located in Niagara County.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 titles this as the "Niagara Parks Reinvestment Act". Section 2 requires fifty percent of the vehicle use fees generated at any state park located wholly or partially in Niagara County be deposited in the Niagara parks reinvestment fund. Further, this act requires an annual report on the amount of revenue generated, as well as a summary of projects being funded, and the amount such project being funded at. Such report shall be sent to the governor, the chair of the Senate and Assembly Tourism Committees, and any Senator or Assembly member who Niagara County" Section 3 creates the Niagara parks reinvestment fund which consists of fifty percent of the balance of total revenue from vehicle use fees generated at any State Park located wholly or partially in Niagara County. This section further states that money appropriated shall be used only to finance capital improvements in state parks located in Niagara County and/or to create a transportation system linking the state parks with other tourist attractions located in Niagara County." Section 4 is the effective date.

Justification

Niagara County is home to some of New York's most amazing state parks, including Niagara Reservation State Park which holds the distinction as the First state park in the nation, established in 1885. In addition to being the honeymoon capital, Niagara Reservation State Park also holds the distinction as the most visited state park in New York State" Its magnificent waterfalls, the rapids of the Niagara River, and other natural riches are known worldwide and attract more visitors than Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks combined. We welcome the millions of tourists to Niagara County each year because of our fascination and attachment to this wonderful place, but those millions also take a toll on the infrastructure of these great state parks.

Yet, rather than the fees generated by these parks being even partially dedicated to maintaining these park's facilities, they are put into the state's general fund, and these State Parks must battle for a share of funds for capital improvements and maintenance.

Dedicating 50% of the parking fees collected at these parks will produce a steady and somewhat predictable funding stream to allow

capital improvements and maintenance of these state parks in Niagara County.

Legislative history

S.2534 of 2009/2010; Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation S.179/A.8220 of 2011/2012; Referred to Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation

Fiscal implications

Unknown.

Effective date

April 1 next succeeding the date on which it shall become a law.