Albany – A number of initiatives led by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) were included in a flood relief package that is expected to pass in both the state Senate and Assembly today. The 2 omnibus bills incorporate property tax relief, grants to municipalities and school districts, and tax credits for businesses that Lupardo proposed back in October.

“I’m glad that many of the flood relief measures I proposed back in October are now being addressed,” said Lupardo, who authored similar flood relief legislation in 2006. “Our community still feels the affects of the flood, 3 months later. These property tax relief initiatives, coupled will $50 million in grants will help us get back on our feet and keep jobs in the Southern Tier.”

Lupardo led initiatives

Lupardo was successful at getting assistance for municipalities and school districts to help pay a portion of the local share for flood damage. An additional $20 million included in federal disaster declarations will be distributed on an as needed basis. This could help save Broome County $700,000 in expenses. In October she proposed legislation for the state to pick up the full 25% of costs not covered by FEMA (A.8654-A/S.5888). FEMA currently pays 75%, with localities and the state each paying half (12.5%) of the remaining 25%.

Based on legislation that Lupardo introduced (A.8647-A/S.5891) in October, homeowners with significant damage – 50% or more – could potentially get their property reassessed and a portion of their taxes refunded. Municipalities and school districts must opt in to participate. Lupardo authored similar legislation in 2006, which passed unanimously and was signed into law (Chapter 15 of 2007).

Also proposed by Lupardo in October (A.8648-A/S.5892), municipalities and school districts will be able to collect school tax payments in installments if taxpayers were impacted by flooding. Before, state law only allowed installment payments with local approval.

For the 2011-12 school year, school districts will also be able to request advanced payments of school aid. This is subject to agreement by the Division of Budget (DOB), Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) and the State Education Department (SED). Also, if additional state aid is provided to school districts, they would be authorized to refund property taxes.

Additional flood relief

Lupardo also strongly advocated for additional flood relief. BAE Systems and Amphenol Aerospace will benefit from the enactment of a job retention credit for businesses harmed by a natural disaster. Lupardo started working with the governor’s office on this proposal in November. Firms with at least 100 employees that have retained or expanded their workers' roles during this time are eligible. The credit equals 6.85 percent of the wages of retained jobs and is targeted towards employers in financial services, manufacturing, software development, new media, scientific development, agriculture and other sectors.

Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) will administer $21 million for direct grants of up to $20,000 for small businesses, farms, multiple dwellings, and not-for-profits that sustained direct flood related damage in Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee. This will help with storm-related repairs and other storm-related costs not covered by any other governmental assistance programs or private insurance.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and ESDC will administer $9 million in grants for counties to support flood control or flood mitigation projects. Grant amounts will range from $300,000 to $500,000, with priority given to projects that will prevent additional flooding.

“This is a comprehensive flood relief package, which is the result of months of hard work and negotiations,” said Lupardo. “It’s a huge help to our community and those across the state affected by flooding.”