THE ASSEMBLY STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY

CHAIR Legislative Commission on Science and Technology

DONNA A. LUPARDO Member of Assembly TH 126 District

COMMITTEES Economic Development Election Law Environmental Conservation Higher Education Transportation Veterans Affairs

March 6, 2012 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo New York State The Capitol Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo: As you know, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused substantial damage across New York State. Your support from the beginning has been deeply appreciated. I am now writing to respectfully request that the state consider paying at least a portion, if not all, of the non-federal share 25% of the total cost of the FEMA buyout program and other disaster related expenses for participating local governments. This is what the state did after the 2006 flood in the Southern Tier. Because the scale of the disaster is obviously much worse this time, I understand that resources will have to stretch much farther. While municipalities are still applying for the buyout program, they are unable to afford the costs not covered by FEMA. As a result, homeowners affected by the flood will be forced to pay the remaining costs if they accept a buyout. In addition, I have recently introduced legislation with Senator Bonacic (A.9191/S.6311) that would hold eligible municipalities harmless for the loss of assessment revenues incurred due to the provisions of the Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee Assessment Relief Act. This proposal would also extend the deadline that municipalities have to opt-in to the act. Asking municipalities to absorb the loss of assessed value, when they can do nothing but pass the expense on to already struggling property taxpayers is very difficult in this economic climate. Again, the state helped make municipalities whole when this last occurred. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely,

DONNA A. LUPARDO Member of Assembly

ALBANY OFFICE: Room 557, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248 518-455-5431, FAX 518-455-5693 th DISTRICT OFFICE: State Office Building, 17 Floor, 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton, New York 13901-4416 607-723-9047, FAX 607-723-9313 E-MAIL: lupardod@assembly.state.ny.us