New York Senate Passes Legislation, Sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky, that Requires Greater Transparency for Public Authority

 SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- The New York State Senate passed legislation on April 21, sponsored by State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida), which would require the Canal Corporation to better inform the public about parcels it puts up for sale.

The bill (S2830) amends existing canal law to require the Canal Corporation to publish notice of its intent to sell property for three successive weeks in a newspaper that is published closest to the property. The Corporation is required to describe the property well enough for citizens to identify, and then must invite written public comment.

In addition, the legislation requires that, for parcels that equal or exceed $50,000 in assessed value, the Corporation must hold a public hearing.

“The public deserves access to information about the sale of state land, and this bill will make that access easier,” Senator Valesky, Vice President Pro-Tempore of the New York State Senate, said. “It will also provide an important opportunity for people to voice their opinions through a public hearing.”

The same bill (A1114), sponsored by Assembly Member RoAnn Destito, passed the Assembly in March.