What's happening
This bill requires at least one trustee of the New York Power Authority to be a resident of Niagara County.
Why it matters
Ensures local representation. By requiring that at least one trustee be a resident of Niagara County, the bill gives the local community most directly affected by the New York Power Authority’s operations a formal voice in its governance.
Potential for greater advocacy on local issues. This change could lead to increased attention to the specific needs, concerns, and impacts experienced by Niagara County residents, especially regarding hydroelectric projects, economic development, and environmental matters.
May shift board dynamics and priorities. Having a trustee from Niagara County could influence decisions or policy priorities of the Power Authority, potentially leading to outcomes that better reflect the interests of Western New York.
Sets a precedent for geographic representation. The bill establishes a model where localities hosting major state assets or infrastructure gain direct input on oversight boards, which could inspire similar changes in other state authorities or agencies.
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Who cares
Niagara County residents
The bill would require the first New York Power Authority trustee vacancy after it takes effect to be filled by a county resident and guarantee at least one county resident on the board thereafter.
Governor’s office
The bill would constrain trustee appointments by requiring Niagara County representation on the seven-member board.
New York State Senate
Senators would retain confirmation authority over trustee appointments subject to the new Niagara County residency requirement.
Headline styles
Niagara Trustee for Power Board
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 62
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3044
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 19, 2017
Introduced by Sen. ORTT -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the trustees of the power authority of New York state
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1003 of the public authorities law, as amended by chapter 766 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as follows:
§ 1003. Trustees. 1. (a) The authority shall consist of seven trustees, five of whom shall serve respectively for terms of one, two, three, four and five years, to be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The sixth and seventh trustees shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, and shall serve initial terms of one and two years respectively. Each trustee shall hold office until a successor has been appointed and qualified. At the expiration of the term of each trustee and of each succeeding trustee the governor shall, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint a successor, who shall hold office for a term of five years, or until a successor has been appointed and qualified. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of the trustee by death, resignation or otherwise, the governor shall, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint a successor, who shall hold office for the unexpired term. Four trustees shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of organizing the authority and conducting the business thereof.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subdivision, the first vacancy in an office of trustee occurring after the effective date of this paragraph shall be filled by a resident of Niagara county and thereafter at least one office of trustee shall be held by a resident of Niagara county.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08644-01-7
S. 3044 2
2. The trustee chosen as [chairman] chairperson as provided in section one thousand four of this title, shall receive an annual salary which shall be set by the trustees of the authority, and which shall not exceed the salary prescribed for the positions listed in paragraph (f) of subdivision one of section one hundred sixty-nine of the executive law. Each other trustee shall not receive a salary or other compensation. Each trustee shall receive his or her reasonable expenses in the performance of his or her duties hereunder. The trustee chosen as [chairman] chairperson may elect to become a member of the New York state and local employees' retirement system on the basis of such compensation to which he or she shall be entitled as herein provided notwithstanding the provisions of any general, special or local law, municipal charter, or ordinance.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the trustees of the power authority of New York state
Purpose or general idea of bill
Provides for the appointment of a Niagara County resident to the board of trustees of the Power Authority.
Summary of specific provisions
The first vacancy in an office of trustee occurring after the effective date of this paragraph shall be filled by a resident of Niagara County and thereafter, at least one office of trustees shall be held by a resident of Niagara County.
Justification
The New York State Power Authority oversees the Niagara Power Project which is located in Niagara County. The Power Project is of paramount importance to both NYPA and the residents of the County. Guaranteeing a representative from Niagara County to be a trustee of NYPA is necessary to ensure that there is a local voice being heard on issues of importance regarding Niagara County and the Power Project.
Prior legislative history
2003-04 A.4612 2005-06 A.2406 2007-2008 A.5497, held for consideration in corporations, authorities and commissions 2011-2012: A.4461 held for consideration in corporations, authorities and commissions 2014 A.3731; held 2015-2016 A. 3132- Held
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.