New York Assembly Bill A04493

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes the disaster-related latent damage recovery grant program to repair latent damage to public infrastructure, including publicly-owned roads, bridges, drainage and flood mitigation systems, electrical and mechanical systems and communication systems, and any ancillary infrastructure necessary for the safe operation of the components thereof, where such damage was the result of a natural disaster.

Summary

This bill would create a new state grant program, administered by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, to help municipalities repair “latent damage” to public infrastructure caused by a natural disaster. Eligible projects include repairs to publicly owned roads, bridges, drainage and flood mitigation systems, electrical and mechanical systems, communication systems, and related ancillary infrastructure needed for safe operation. The bill defines latent damage as damage that was not reasonably apparent during initial damage assessments, and it excludes repairs for ordinary wear and tear. The program would be available only for municipalities affected by a disaster for which the governor declared a state of emergency. Applications would have to be filed no earlier than one year and no later than seven years after the emergency declaration. Grants would be capped at 10% of prior state and federal disaster assistance received for the same disaster, and no municipality could receive more than $10 million in a calendar year. Funding would depend on appropriations and other legally available monies, and awards could be made only to the extent funds are available.

Impact

The bill would add a new section 720 to the Executive Law, expanding the state’s disaster recovery framework by creating a targeted grant mechanism for post-disaster infrastructure problems that emerge after initial assessments. It would affect municipalities seeking help with long-term or hidden disaster-related infrastructure damage, while limiting eligibility, timing, and award amounts to control state exposure and prevent use of the program for routine maintenance or non-disaster repairs.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a practical disaster-recovery tool rather than a controversial policy change. Its structure suggests support for municipalities facing delayed infrastructure failures after emergencies, while also reflecting caution through strict caps, a narrow definition of eligible damage, and funding contingent on appropriations. No formal opposition or recorded vote history is available in the provided materials.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are likely to be the cost and scope of the program, the long application window, and the definition of “latent damage.” Municipalities and disaster-affected communities may favor the bill because it addresses hidden infrastructure problems that surface after initial recovery efforts, while fiscal watchdogs or budget-conscious lawmakers may question the open-ended funding structure, the $10 million annual cap per municipality, and whether the program could overlap with existing state or federal disaster aid. Another possible issue is proving that damage was not reasonably apparent during initial assessments and was caused by the declared disaster rather than normal wear and tear.