As our legislators in Albany prepare for the summer recess, it is crucial that we join together to push for the passage of The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Bill before the end of session.

Please contact your State Senator with this message:

Dear Senator:

UNI Bill S.4369 (Lavalle)/ A7335 (Hoyt), The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act, has passed the State Assembly and is now in the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.

This bill will take a good first step in conserving taxpayer dollars and reinforcing State resources and infrastructure.

The Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act would require that:

- certain  State  agencies (DOT, SED,  New  York  State  Housing Finance Agency,   Housing  Trust  Fund  Corporation,  Environmental Facilities Corporation, Dormitory  Authority,  and UDC and its subsidiaries) fund  infrastructure in a manner that is consistent with Smart Growth principles.

- agencies establish a Smart Growth advisory committee while also providing for an appeals board that would consider requests for variances from Smart Growth policies.

- agencies give funding priority to existing infrastructure and projects that are consistent with local governments` plans for development (except in cases where a variance is granted).

- the State create State Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Criteria which will give  priority  to:

- projects  for the use, maintenance, or improvement of existing infrastructure and

- projects located in or related  to developed  areas or areas designated for development in a municipally-approved comprehensive land use plan.

Passing this bill before the end of this session could not be more important.  Smart Growth works to help reign in out-of-control costs.  It protects the environment.  By prioritizing maintenance of current roads, rails, and other infrastructure, it helps moderate the costs of quickly-rising gasoline prices and reduce congestion.

New York is behind the curve on this issue - and success stories related to state Smart Growth efforts in Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have shown that realigning priorities helps areas that are stagnant to re-grow.  In an era of fiscal constraint and environmental strain, these goals could not be more important. 

Statewide Organizations:
Audubon New York
Citizens Campaign for the Environment
NY Conference of Mayors & Municipal Officials
AIA New York Chapter
Empire State Future
NY League of Conservation Voters
The Nature Conservancy
Environmental Advocates of New York
Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter
Tri-State Transportation Campaign

Regional Endorsers:
Adirondack Council
ARISE, Albany
Partners for Livable Western New York
Regional Plan Association
Scenic Hudson
Vision Long Island
Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce
Sustainable Long Island

SMART GROWTH NEWS

Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Communications Director
Contributors: Juliana Roberts, Planning Coordinator; Eric Alexander, Executive Director;
Katheryn Laible, Assistant Director

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