Senator Dilan Proposes Legislation To Fund Statewide Construction Projects
June 9, 2010
(Albany, N.Y.)—In a continued effort to put New York’s construction crews back to work, Senator Martin Malavé Dilan (D-Brooklyn) has proposed legislation to authorize the release of funding for capital construction projects in the absence of a State Budget.
S.8078 allows for public authorities and state agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Office of General Services, to award contracts that were let during the 2009 – 2010 fiscal year.
“Each day we don’t allocate funds to honor these contracts, either through budget extenders or an approved spending plan, we risk the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in New York,” said Senator Dilan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “These jobs are crucial to New York’s economic recovery.”
Since April 1, 2010 projects that were put out to bid in the previous fiscal year have not been awarded by state agencies. More than 200 projects, including critical road repairs and bridge rehabilitation, have been unable to break ground, tying up over $1.1 billion in construction contracts.
Much of the work is critical to New York’s troubled infrastructure throughout the state. The work ranges from road resurfacing to bridge replacement.
S.8078, complements legislation sponsored by Senator Dilan that passed the Senate last month that would make all capital contracts binding liabilities, and require they be honored. Since April 1, New York has operated without a budget, relying instead on emergency spending measures to pay its expenses.
These liabilities have included the public employee payroll, social security contributions and aid to localities. They have not included much-needed infrastructure improvements. This latest legislation would allow the New York State DOT, OGS, State University Construction Fund and public authorities to meet their contractual obligations this year.
“These projects represent a win-win in this tough economy. We have an opportunity to make our roads and infrastructure safer while offering job opportunities to struggling communities across the state. New York needs to move on these projects to not only make repairs of which the cost will only grow, but to spur job creation when New York needs it most,” said Senator Dilan.
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Business
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