Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi
January 2015

Hevesi to Pursue Freight Locomotive Allocation for Third Straight Year

Over the last two New York State Budgets, Assemblyman Hevesi has secured $6 million through funding allocations to upgrade antiquated and environmentally harmful freight locomotive engines that run in the district and throughout the state. The Assemblyman has continued to receive crucial and important updates about the progress of these initiatives to ensure the administration of this project remains a top priority. Assemblyman Hevesi is looking forward to continuing the pursuit of clean rail initiatives, making it a focal point on his agenda during the 2015 legislative session.

Hevesi Introduces Legislation to
Mandate NYSDEC Emergency Regulations
Following a letter to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) by Hevesi and numerous other lawmakers, the Assemblyman has introduced legislation which would mandate certain operational regulations be required by freight rail shippers under state law. Prompted by constituent concerns over the movement of municipal solid waste (MSW) by rail within the state, this bill would prohibit vendors from shipping without bailing waste, and would require inspectors to monitor the transportation of MSW by rail to ensure guidelines are being followed. This legislation has been referred to the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee for review.
Hevesi Legislation Reducing Burdens on Local Governments Signed into Law
One of the first pieces of legislation Assemblyman Hevesi authored as Chair of the Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee passed both the Assembly and Senate in the last year’s session. Last month, the Governor of New York signed this legislation into law. Assembly Bill A.7187 repeals reporting requirements and several other provisions pertaining to the Board of Railroad Commissioners and its related proceedings. This bill is the first change in law emerging from an ongoing legislative initiative that is specifically aimed at making government more efficient. The New York State Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation, in coordination with other standing committees, is undertaking a comprehensive review of tens of thousands of reporting requirements currently written into every area of New York State law. The purpose of this extensive review is to enhance government effectiveness. This new statute is the first in what is projected to be a very long series of repeal bills that address these superfluous sections of law.
New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT)
Safe Streets for Seniors Program
Safe Streets for Seniors is a pedestrian safety initiative for older New Yorkers. The Safe Streets for Seniors program studies crash data, then develops and implements mitigation measures to improve the safety of seniors and other pedestrians, as well as all road operators in New York City. Since its launch in 2008, The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) has addressed senior pedestrian safety issues in 25 Senior Pedestrian Focus Areas (SPFAs) within the five boroughs. NYCDOT collects ideas and feedback from senior centers and community boards. If you feel a specific area should be considered for a focal point, please contact the Queens Borough DOT Commissioner, Dalila Hall, at 212-839-2510.


Office Locations:
District Office: 70-50 Austin Street, Suite 110, Forest Hills, NY 11375 • 718-263-5595
Albany Office: Room 742 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-4926
Email: hevesia@assembly.state.ny.us