In the News-New York State
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Support 9/11 Victims
Governor Kathy Hochul signed three pieces of legislation on Wednesday, honoring the memories of the fallen heroes who put their lives on the line for their fellow New Yorkers and providing support for their families.
Sponsored by Staten Island legislators Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton and Assemblyman Charles Fall, Chapter 313 of the laws of 2024 authorizes former Port Authority police officer Anthony Varvaro, a member of the NYS Local Police and Fire Retirement System, to be deemed to have died as the natural and proximate cause of an accident sustained in the performance of duty. Officer Varvaro died in a car accident on September 11, 2022, while traveling to a 9/11 memorial ceremony in Manhattan.
“…Anthony Varvaro is remembered as an active member of the community, a legendary sportsman, and a dedicated service member of the Port Authority Police,” Senator Scarcella Spanton explained. “The tragic loss of Anthony two years ago today was one that struck the North Shore of Staten Island deeply. His life reflects that of a hometown hero who, through talent and virtue, became a star in his community, state, and country. While we cannot return him to his wife and four children, it is imperative that his family has the Laws of the State of New York support they need and deserve… I was incredibly proud to carry this legislation….”
Port Authority PBA Association President Frank Conti and legislative director Shaun Kehoe, in a joint statement recognizing the approved legislation, said, “We will never forget Anthony and his contributions to our union, agency and the people he served.”
Governor Hochul also signed Chapter 314 which authorizes an application by Lieutenant Paul Adam’s widow for conversion of his disability retirement benefit to an accidental death benefit for victims of the 2001 World Trade Center disaster on his behalf. Lieutenant Adam was deployed as an officer to Ground Zero and developed a sustained illness due to his service.
Legislation Chapter 315 renames the bridge on State Route 9 crossing the Ausable River in Peru (Clinton County) as the “Captain Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge.” Captain Garrow was a veteran of the State Police who participated in search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site and later succumbed to cancer in 2023.
Governor Hochul Launches Outreach Effort to Register Survivors of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks for Federal Benefits
Governor Kathy Hochul this week announced the launch of a new campaign to identify and encourage individuals who may have been impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Lower Manhattan and Western Brooklyn to enroll in federal benefit programs, including the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
The 9/11 Notice Act, signed into law by Governor Hochul in 2023, requires businesses located in the New York City disaster area to ensure that affected individuals are made aware of their rights to register for the two programs, which provide medical care and compensation for eligible individuals with WTC-related illnesses.
“While New York’s recovery from the horrific terrorist attacks on 9/11 has been remarkable, there are still thousands of New Yorkers, including office and finance professionals, retail and service workers, building and maintenance staff and hospitality and delivery people who are suffering from health conditions that resulted from the events of that devastating day,” Governor Hochul said.
The campaign includes a toolkit for businesses with instructions and information to share with current and former employees about the World Trade Center Health Program and September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The toolkit, designed by Empire State Development, will also be distributed to businesses via relevant New York State agencies.
The World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund have helped tens of thousands of residents, workers, first- responders, and students with medical care provided and more than $14.25 billion in compensation awarded since 2011. More information on both programs, including how to enroll or register, is available on the newly created website, ny.gov/september11.
In addition to the Governor’s actions today to support and honor 9/11 victims, New York State is providing $500,000 in operating funding to support the 9/11 Museum.
In the News-New York City
NYC Police Commissioner Caban Resigns Interim NYC Police Commissioner Donlan Appointed
New York City Mayor Eric Adams yesterday announced that Police Commissioner Edward Caban has decided to resign.
“A short time ago, I accepted the resignation of Edward Caban. I concluded that this is the best decision at this time,” Mayor Adams said. “I respect his decision, and I wish him well.”
Commissioner Caban’s resignation takes effect at 5 p.m. Friday.
Following the announcement, Mayor Adams took “immediate action” and appointed Thomas Donlan, former New York director of the Office of Homeland Security, as Interim Commissioner.
According to the Mayor, Interim Commissioner Donlan is an experienced law enforcement professional who has worked at the local, state, federal, and international levels. In addition to his position at Homeland Security, he ran the FBI’s National Threat Center, and the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force, and worked as the co-case agent investigating the 1993 Twin Towers bombing, as well as the attacks on the U.S. embassy in Africa and the USS Cole in Yemen by al-Qaeda.
He is a native of the Bronx.
Comptroller DiNapoli Report Assesses MTA’s Capital Needs and Funding Scenarios
MTA’s potential capital needs ranges from $57.8 billion to $92.2 billion
In a report released this week, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli laid out the challenges and potential funding scenarios facing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) as it prepares to submit its 2025-2029 Capital Program.
According to the Comptroller, the MTA must find billions in new funds even as the state tries to resolve the $15 billion gap in revenue created by the pause on congestion pricing.
“The choices that the MTA and the state make in the coming months will determine the future of the transportation system for years to come,” Comptroller DiNapoli said.
According to the Comptroller, New York’s Public Authorities Law requires the MTA to submit its capital program for approval by the state capital program review board by October 1st. The MTA has more control over its capital funding needs by choosing which project it prioritizes, but significantly less control over its funding beyond raising fares and tolls for increased borrowing.
The Comptroller cited that the MTA has an “overwhelming list of capital needs,” and his report identifies substantial variation in the MTA’s potential capital needs and uses, ranging from $57.8 billion to $92.2 billion, with a midpoint of about $75 billion.
But whether the MTA’s capital program comes in at the low end or the high end of that estimate, it will need significant amounts of new funding, including replacement of the $15 billion that congestion pricing was expected to provide.
The report suggests a wide range of capital needs are likely to be proposed in the 2025-2029 capital program to maintain and enhance the system, based on needs assessments released by the authority and recent discussion over investment plans. These include:
- Good Repair and Normal Replacement: The most critical funding needs are for keeping MTA assets in a state of good repair, including power substations, repair shops and structures, like the Grand Central train shed. NYC Transit’s Livonia Street and 241st St. repair yards will need work totaling $1 billion. Grand Central Terminal is now projected to need $2.7 billion, with a significant portion to be included in the current plan. DiNapoli’s report estimates the MTA faces a range of $37.3 to $55.2 billion in costs for state of good repair and normal replacement projects.
- Fleet Choices: The MTA’s aging train cars and buses are also a significant contributor to capital costs. There are 1,100 subway cars that will exceed their 40-year useful service life between 2024 and 2027, and another 625 that will hit that milestone between 2027 and 2030. When combined with the cost of replacing commuter rail cars, the cost estimate ranges from $8.4 to $16.5 billion. Bus purchases would cost another $3.5 to $4.5 billion depending on fleet choices.
- Climate Resilience: The MTA’s Climate Resilience Roadmap put a minimum $6 billion price tag on protections against extreme weather over 10 years, but it remains uncertain if those plans will be accelerated or put off, given funding uncertainties.
- Handicapped Accessibility: Under a court agreement, the MTA has to increase subway accessibility to meet the requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act for all stations by 2055, which may require from $5.3 to $8.1 billion in the next capital program, depending on the size of investment in NYC Transit projects.
According to the Comptroller, historically, the state has provided the MTA with a significant portion of funding for its capital program through taxes and subsidies — even before funding the $15 billion gap in the current 2020-2024 capital program. The state may also choose to provide additional direct General Fund support. In total, funding from the state for the 2025-2029 capital program is estimated in the range of $8.8 to $29 billion, with the low end based on the past five capital programs and the high end reflecting the most recent.
In addition, the analysis assumes that the MTA will receive similar levels of federal and City funding as in past capital plans, between $7.5 and $14 billion from the federal government and between $2 billion to $4 billion from the City.
Bills Passed by the Council
Introduction 6-A, Sponsored by Council Member Alexa Avilés, Require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), in consultation with the Fire Department and Department of Buildings, to develop procedures to ensure that occupants of multiple dwellings receive relevant information in connection with the issuance of residential vacate orders following fires.
Introduction 89, Sponsored by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, Requires an agency designated by the Mayor to provide notice to Council Members of serious fires located within their districts. These notifications would need to be sent within three hours of the Fire Department’s deployment to the scene of the fire and contain specific information relating to the incident.
Introduction 242-A, Sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, Requires the Commission on Racial Equity (CORE) to establish a Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation process in connection with the City’s historic involvement in slavery and its present-day legacies. Its work would be coordinated with the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies.
Introduction 471-A, sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams, Establishes a task force to consider the creation of a citywide New York City freedom trail and a “Lower Manhattan freedom trail.”
Introduction 746-A, sponsored by Council Member Oswald Feliz, Requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to improve paved medians by planting vegetation or adding stormwater management infrastructure.
Introduction 833-A, sponsored by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Requires the New York City Department of Transportation to facilitate the installation and maintenance of an informational sign near the intersection of Wall and Pearl Streets in Manhattan to mark the site of New York’s first slave market.
Briefs
Governor Kathy Hochul Signs Legislation to Help Prevent Suicide and Promote Mental Health
Governor Kathy Hochul this week signed legislation, the Student Lifeline Act, requiring colleges across New York State to print information about the State’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on all student ID cards.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk and Assembly Member Sarah Clark, requires all college student ID cards in New York to contain information about the 988 Lifeline by 2025. Under this law, colleges must also provide resources to students describing when to utilize the 988 number. Any colleges that do not issue ID cards will still be required to distribute the 988 information annually to students through other materials.
Also, in conjunction with Suicide Prevention Month in September, the Governor and the State’s Office of Mental Health launched a $5 million campaign to raise awareness of 988, which is free, confidential, impartial, and can be accessed any time of the day or night by phone, text, or chat.
Adams Administration Breaks Ground on New Stapleton Waterfront Esplanade, Part of Development That Will Include 2,100 Units of Housing, New 600-Seat Public School
New York City Mayor Eric Adams this week announced his administration has broken ground on 12 acres of interconnected public open space on the New Stapleton Waterfront, continuing the progress the Administration has made on its Staten Island North Shore Action Plan.
The action plan — announced by Mayor Adams and New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks in September 2023 — outlines a four-year roadmap for a clear and unified vision for the future of Staten Island’s North Shore, with $400 million in city investment, over 20 acres of public space, more than 7,500 family-sustaining jobs, and $3.8 billion in economic impact over 30 years. As a part of this plan, the administration is transforming a 35-acre former United States naval base into a new mixed-use community on the New Stapleton Waterfront, set within a framework of open space and esplanades. In total, the New Stapleton Waterfront will bring over 2,100 mixed-income residential units, ground floor retail, a 600-seat public school, additional community facilities, and 12 acres of interconnected public open space to Staten Island’s North Shore.
NYS Fall Foliage Report
New York State’s 2024 fall foliage season is underway, with the first signs of the spectacular seasonal colors to come appearing in several Upstate New York regions. The Adirondacks, Catskills, Thousand Island-Seaway, Capital Saratoga, Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Greater Niagara regions are all beginning to show indication of autumn’s brilliant palette, according to the field reports from volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program. Foliage change in other areas of the state will be 5% or less.
NYC’s 142nd Annual Labor Day Parade
More than 200 unions and stakeholder groups celebrated solidarity on Fifth Avenue on September 7th, participating in the New York City Labor Day Parade, one of the country’s oldest Labor Day celebrations. The Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO hosts the annual procession. This year’s theme was “All Workers, Many Voices, One Fight,” which was chosen to reflect the unity of NYC workers and union members from diverse backgrounds and the shared goal of better workplace conditions.
John J. Murphy, International Representative United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, served as Grand Marshall of this year’s parade. Distinguished guests included Governor Kathy Hochul, US Senator Chuck Schumer, Attorney Genero Letitia James, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and Mayor Eric Adams. The first Labor Day celebration in New York City was held on September 5, 1882, two years before President Grover Cleveland signed federal legislation making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.
Coming Up
New York State
There are no scheduled legislative meetings for the week of September 16th through the 20th at the time of this publication
New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Governor Lobbyist Bimonthly Lobbying Reports are due on Monday, September 16th.
New York City
Monday, September 16th
Committee on Higher Education, Council Chamber – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, September 17th
Committee on Oversight and Investigations, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Finance, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th floor, 11 a.m. Committee on Standards and Ethics, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 14th floor, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18th
Committee on Public Housing, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m. Committee on Veterans, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 14th Floor, 10:30 a.m.
Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings and Dispositions,
250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 11 a.m.
Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts,
Council Chamber – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Thursday, September 19th
Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation,
Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Land Use, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 11 a.m. New York City Clerk Lobbyist Bimonthly Lobbying Reports are due on Monday, September 16th.
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