Relates to the election by certain counties to withdraw from the metropolitan commuter transportation district; permits the counties of Orange and Rockland to make such election.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A3272
SPONSOR: Brabenec TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the election
by certain counties to withdraw from the metropolitan commuter transpor-
tation district; and in relation to permitting the counties of Orange
and Rockland to make such election
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: The purpose of this bill is to
provide Orange and Rockland Counties the option to withdraw from the
metropolitan commuter transportation district.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The bill amends section 1279-b of the public authorities law to give
Orange and Rockland County the option to elect to withdraw from the
metropolitan commuter transportation district. The county seeking to
withdraw shall provide the commissioner of transportation, and chairman
of the authority and the other counties which have an option to with
draw, a resolution adopted by the county legislature providing notice of
intent to withdraw and furnish a public transportation plan. The "public
transportation plan" shall include an agreement where the county shall
be entitled to lease facilities and services comprising such rail trans-
portation system at fair market value which provides for negotiations
for withdrawal from the metropolitan commuter transportation district.
If no agreement is reached after sixty days from the commencement of
such negotiations, either party may make application to a justice of the
supreme court residing in the counties of Orange or Rockland for an
appointment of a special referee. The special referee shall mediate
negotiations for withdrawal for a period of no longer than sixty days.
If after the sixty day period the parties are unable to reach an agree-
ment, the special referee shall, within thirty days; recommend the terms
of the withdrawal to the justice, who shall review the recommendations
of the referee and the positions of the parties thereon and shall issue
an order setting forth the terms of the withdrawal.
JUSTIFICATION:
Due to various new and increased taxes and fees passed In 2009 for the
metropolitan commuter transportation district an undue- hardship has
been placed on my constituents. This bill will allow Orange and Rockland
Counties the option to withdraw themselves from the MTA Commuter Trans-
portation District.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
This bill would result in a cost savings to be determined after such
county or counties reach an agreed upon public transportation plan.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
