BILL NUMBER: S7628
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing a Finger
Lakes commission
 
PURPOSE::
This bill establishes a Finger Lakes commission to assist local govern-
ments and organizations in preserving the resources of the region for
future generations.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
This bill would add new sections 848-a through 848-e to the executive
law.
848-a: Establishes the Finger Lakes commission and the terms of appoint-
ment; specifies the membership requirements for appointees on the
commission and defines the "Finger Lakes region;" sets conditions for
appointments and vacancies; identifies roles within the commission.
848-b: Identifies the power and duties of the commission.
848-c: Sets terms for compensation and reimbursement.
848-d: Creates standards for reporting to the governor and local offi-
cials.
848-e: Designates commission staff benefits. Provides the effective
date.
 
JUSTIFICATION::
The Finger Lakes region is home to more than two million residents who
depend on the natural resources in the area for drinking water, agricul-
tural use, recreation, agritourism, conservation, wildlife and plant
habitat, and supporting the local economy. Since the region spans four-
teen counties and approximately nine-thousand square miles that encom-
pass a multitude of towns, villages, and cities, the establishment of a
Finger Lakes commission to work with the region's local governments and
other stakeholders to pursue shared interests. Modeled on the Tug Hill
Commission, the Finger Lakes Commission would seek to protect the area's
resources, provide technical assistance to local governments, and
improve the quality of life for the region's residents.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
One year after it shall have become a law.