BILL NUMBER: S6370A
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the transportation law, in relation to requiring the
commissioner of transportation to submit a biennial twenty-year capital
needs assessment report to the governor and the legislature
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure a comprehensive evaluation
of the state's transportation infrastructure, providing lawmakers with
critical information regarding current conditions, future investment
needs, and anticipated funding sources. This assessment will serve as a
vital tool in guiding policy and budgetary decisions to maintain and
enhance New York's transportation systems.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Section 14 of transportation law by adding a new
subdivision 37, which:
*Directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to submit a biennial
twenty-year capital needs assessment report to the Governor and Legisla-
ture.
*Requires the first assessment to be submitted by March 31, 2027, and
subsequently by March 31 of every second year.
*Specifies that the assessment must cover all state-owned, operated,
maintained, or federally eligible transportation infrastructure assets,
including but not limited to state and municipal pavements, bridges,
tunnels, transit systems, airports, ports, and passenger and freight
rail infrastructure.
*Outlines the required level of analysis for each component, including
physical conditions, operational performance, backlog of needs, resili-
ence requirements, and future operation and maintenance projections.
*Mandates a forecast of available state and federal resources over the
assessment period, an analysis of inflationary impacts on projected
funding, and the establishment of measurable performance goals for
assets.
*Requires at least one public hearing on the report's findings, focusing
on its implications for public safety and the state's economic competi-
tiveness.
Section 2: Clarifies that the requirements of this act do not absolve
the Department of Transportation of any other existing statutory respon-
sibilities.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York's transportation infrastructure is fundamental to economic
growth, public safety, and quality of life. However, maintaining and
modernizing these assets requires long-term planning and a clear under-
standing of investment needs. This legislation establishes a structured,
data-driven approach to infrastructure planning by requiring the DOT to
conduct a thorough, forward-looking assessment. The inclusion of
performance benchmarks, funding forecasts, and resilience evaluations
will enable policymakers to make informed decisions regarding infras-
tructure investments. Furthermore, public hearings will ensure transpar-
ency and accountability in the assessment process.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This bill will have no fiscal impacts on state or local governments.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6370: 14 transportation law
S6370A: 14 transportation law