Relates to creating the upstate flood mitigation task force within the canal corporation

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Amends the canal law to add a new article 13-B creating the upstate flood mitigation task force to identify reasonable measures that can be taken to enhance flood management and mitigation, including the development of the upstate flood mitigation grant program.

Section 2. Amends the canal law to define terrns essential to the implementation of this new act including the definition of adaptive measures, flood control study sector, flood event, canal system and upstate flood mitigation region.

Section 3. Amends the canal law to establish the composition of the task force and the selection of members; limits member compensation to actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of duties; and delineates the process for public consultation and hearings.

Section 4. Amends the canal law in relation to task force powers and duties including: the requirement of an in-depth study within six months from the task force establishment to examine flood control study sectors and issues related to floodplain management, debris management, flood control, and flood mitigation; and the establishment of an upstate flood mitigation grant program.

Section 5. Amends the canal law to require the task force to establish an upstate flood mitigation grant program to be administered by the canal corporation. The task force shall establish the structure of the grant program which shall include but not be limited to the definition of eligible recipients, project application process, program maximum project award amounts, project cost sharing parameters and program funding cycles. This section further provides that the first funding cycle shall be available for award to grant recipients during SFY 2014-15.

Section 6. Amends the state finance law to add a new section establishing the upstate flood mitigation fund. Establishes this fund within the joint custody of the commissioner of taxation and finance and the state comptroller and provides that such fund shall consist of monies transferred annually by the director of budget from existing available federal and state funds pursuant to a five year schedule established within the SFY 2014-15 Executive Budget. Further provides that monies of the fund shall be available to fund grants made under

the upstate flood mitigation grant program established under section five of article xxx of the canal law.

Section 7. Amends the canal law to provide for the task force duration and repeal.

Justification

In the last several Years, Upstate New York has experienced some of the worst flooding in the state's history. The establishment of the Upstate Flood Mitigation Task Force will provide an in-depth yet rapid assessment of flood control study sectors and issues related to floodplain management, debris management, flood control and flood mitigation in the upstate flood mitigation region. The Upstate Flood Mitigation grant program will provide comprehensive action to reduce flooding risks and protect communities from storms and floods by utilizing existing available federal and state monies to fund grants within the upstate flood mitigation region. This program will work alongside existing flood assistance grant programs, supplementing existing efforts by providing funds for adaptive measures to mitigate or eliminate a flood event.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None Noted.

Effective date

This act takes effect immediately with sections one, three and four repealed on March 31, 2015.