Senator Martins' Bill to Elminate Inactive Agencies Signed Into Law

Senator Jack M. Martins’ bill to eliminate public authorizes and urban renewal agencies that are inactive or are no longer needed was signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

The bill (S. 5227-B) repeals the statutory authorization for approximately 95 urban renewal and industrial agencies and 28 local public authorities that are either defunct, were never ultimately established by local law, or are no longer needed to carry out the public function for which they were formed.

“During these difficult economic times, as we seek accountability from all levels of government, it makes sense to eliminate layers of government that are no longer necessary and consolidate their responsibilities in our counties, towns, and villages,” Senator Martins said. “I want to thank the Governor for his continued leadership in partnering with us to right-size government."

"Since taking office, my administration has worked to make government more efficient and accountable to taxpayers, including doing more with less and finding ways to reduce the costs facing localities," Governor Cuomo said. "Given that these authorities and agencies no longer serve the public interest, it only makes sense to do away with them for good. I thank the bill sponsors for their work on these two bills."

The affected agencies and authorities have no outstanding debt or other obligations. The law transfers the eliminated entities' remaining books, records, and rights to the municipality where each is located.