BILL NUMBER:S6305

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in
relation to the powers and duties of the Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers
Partnership

PURPOSE:

Expands the powers and duties of the Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers
Partnership to include the power to adopt and use a seal; to appoint
and remove officers, agents and employers and determine their
qualifications, duties and compensation; to acquire, hold and dispose
of real property, to construct or cause to have constructed necessary
facilities, including paths and trails, a visitor education center,
and related parking areas within the reserve, to retain or employ
counsel, private consultants and independent contractors; and to make
and execute contracts and all other instruments necessary for the
exercise of its powers and duties pursuant to this article.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends section 42-0107 of the Environmental Conservation Law
by renumbering subdivision 13 to 16 and adding subdivisions 13-15.

JUSTIFICATION:

              

The Historic Hudson-Hoosic Rivers Partnership is a public benefit
corporation created by an act of the Legislature in 2006 with the
mission of preserving, protecting and promoting the natural, farmland,
and heritage resources of northern Hudson River and Hoosic River
watersheds. The Partnership is made up of over 20 local
municipalities, state agencies, not-for-profits and the National Park
Service and continues to work to fulfill its mission through its
partners. The Partnership is currently in the process of partnering
with the Federal Government to construct a regional gateway visitor
center and has already helped to preserve hundreds of acres of
important farmland and open space. Allowing the partnership these new
powers and duties will ensure that it can continue to fulfill its
public mission.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act shall take effect immediately