Establishes the disaster-related latent damage recovery grant program

2 Co-sponsors

• George Amedore
• Carl L. Marcellino

BILL NUMBER:S5182A

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing the disaster-related latent damage recovery grant program

Purpose Or General Idea Of Bill: To ensure that communities with residual or worsening damage related to a natural disaster have an opportunity to request additional funds to address these ongoing issues.

Summary Of Specific Provisions:

Section 1: Executive law is amended by adding a new section 719 establishing the Disaster-related latent damage recovery grant program.

Section 2: Effective Date.

Justification: In recent years, several unprecedented natural disasters have wrought havoc on communities across our state. From tropical storms Irene, Lee and Hurricane Sandy to the widespread flooding that struck upstate communities in June of 2013, weather related natural disasters have impacted nearly every corner of our state in recent years. The state and federal response to these disasters has gone a long way towards ensuring that our communities were able to get back on their feet. However, many communities still have critical disaster-related infrastructure needs that have not yet been addressed.

The true extent of the damage to physical infrastructure is not always apparent during initial assessments. Damage to drainage systems, subterranean erosion, and salt water damage are often missed immediately following a disaster, and may not become apparent until months or years later. When latent damage is discovered, it can be difficult for communities to secure the additional resources they need.

This bill addresses this challenge by making additional disaster recovery funds available for up to 7 years after a declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor. Municipalities can apply for assistance in amounts up to 10 percent of the sum of any disaster relief aid previously received by that municipality from state and federal sources, but not more than $10 million dollars in any calendar year. This aid is intended to specifically address latent damage to infrastructure.

This bill recognizes that disaster recovery is a long term process and seeks to ensure that communities continue to have access to the resources they need to maintain the safety and integrity of their public infrastructure.

Prior Legislative History: This is a new bill.

Fiscal Implications For State And Local Governments: To be determined.

Effective Date: This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.