BILL NUMBER: S2017
SPONSOR: WALCZYK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment
to section 3 of article 14 of the Constitution, in relation to conveying
land to the town of Montague, Lewis county, in order to allow the expan-
sion of the town's barn for public use
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would amend the New York State Constitution to allow the town
of Montague to enter into a land swap agreement with the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC).
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Creates a new subdivision 3 within section 3, article 14 of
the New York State Constitution to allow the town of Montague to enter
into a land swap agreement with DEC. In exchange for 1.2 acres of state
land, the town will give DEC 26 acres.
Section 2: Stipulates that this bill must pass two consecutive legisla-
tive sessions before going onto a ballot referendum.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The town of Montague's barn is surrounded by DEC land. Currently, the
town can access some vehicles and equipment through an easement it has
established with the agency. However, the town supports expanding the
barn so the lands can be connected. This bill would allow the town to
enter into said agreement with DEC. This bill must go through the
constitutional amendment process because Lewis County is designated as a
'forest preserve" county, and is thus protected under Article XIV of the
State Constitution. In exchange, the town will give DEC 26 acres for
protection. This bill is a win-win; Montgague can expand its town barn,
and DEC sees a net gain in the amount of land it protects.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A9405/S8669 (2024): Referred to Judiciary
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill shall take effect if the majority of New Yorkers approve it on
a ballot referendum. Before that, it must pass two consecutive legisla-
tive sessions. Thus, the earliest this bill could take effect would be
November 2027.