BILL NUMBER: S17
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to allowing
industrial development agencies to make grants to municipalities for
open space preservation, parkland improvements and conservation ease-
ments
 
PURPOSE:
To permit industrial development agencies to offer grants to munici-
palities for open space preservation, parkland improvements, and Conser-
vation easements.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends subdivisions 16 and 17 of section 858 of the general
municipal law, as added by chapter 1030 of the laws of 1969 and as
renumbered by chapter 356 of the laws of 1993.
Section 2: Sets effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Permitting industrial development agencies (IDAs) to fund initiatives
for open space preservation, parkland protection, and land conservation
will foster growth in New York State's tourism industry while safeguard-
ing critical agricultural resources. Agrotourism-the convergence of
agriculture and tourism-has emerged as a significant economic driver
across the state, particularly in regions such as the Hudson Valley,
generating substantial jobs and revenue. With its flat and unobstructed
topography, farmland is often targeted for large-scale commercial devel-
opment, placing this invaluable resource at risk. This legislation seeks
to establish a dedicated funding mechanism to prevent the irreversible
loss of farmland, ensuring its continued contribution to the state's
economy and preserving it for future generations.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2021: S6055, Referred to Local Government
2022: S6055, Referred to Local Government 2023: 54544, Passed Senate
2024: S4544, Passed Senate Assembly
2021: No Assembly Same-As
2022: No Assembly Same-As
2023: A6931, Referred to Local Governments
2024: A6931, Referred to Local Governments
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.