Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo on stage for the Southern Tier Region's award
I was a member of two of the council’s work plan groups, so I knew first-hand that we had a great plan. While not one of the major winners, our $49.4 million award, along with the flood relief package passed yesterday, is welcome news for the Southern Tier. This will go a long way toward helping our community grow and prosper.
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.”
Along with an historic middle class tax cut, $50 million in flood relief is welcome news for the Southern Tier. While details are still being worked out, this 3-way agreement will provide much needed assistance to taxpayers, businesses, farms, non-profit organizations, school districts and local governments.
Aerial view of BAE Systems after the flood in September 2011
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) is pushing a package of flood relief bills for consideration at a potential special session of the New York State Legislature later this week. In October, Lupardo introduced four bills to help the Southern Tier recover from the flood. She is working with the governor’s office on a fifth bill, which would provide tax credits to BAE Systems over a five-year period.
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo in the simulator at the new Engineering and Science Building at BU
A new Engineering and Science Building at Binghamton University is poised to give BU and the Southern Tier a leg up on the competition. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) joined other leaders from the community and university for the official grand opening ceremony today. Lupardo worked with Senator Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton) to secure $66 million in state funding for the project.