Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced the Assembly passed the Flood Assessment Relief Act of 2005, legislation she sponsored allowing reassessment of property damaged by flooding (A.7625-A). The bill is currently on the Senate calendar.

"Initial estimates indicate the damage to public and private property in Broome County alone is in the millions of dollars," Lupardo said. "While the final bipartisan state budget does include $1 million in immediate funding in order to provide food, clothing and emergency shelter to flood victims in Broome County and across the state, it does not address the issue of property assessment after a disastrous flood. This legislation would allow homeowners to ask for a reduced assessment of flood-damaged property."

Specifically, the legislation would allow taxpayers whose property was seriously damaged by flooding to grieve their assessment to the local board of assessment review. The board would then revalue the property based on its condition after the flood. Under current law, properties are assessed based on their value on March 1. So people victimized by April’s flooding face unfair taxation on their damaged – or in some cases destroyed – homes.

April’s flooding caused $3.2 million in damage to public property in Broome, Delaware and Tioga counties, Lupardo noted. Initial estimates of damage to private property are also in the millions.

"This legislation could really make a difference for those who have suffered through a catastrophe like this year’s flood," Lupardo said. "Making this legislation law would ease flood victims’ financial burden and protect them from being unfairly taxed."