New York Assembly Bill A11608

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Caption

Relates to appropriations to the Barker central school district following the cessation of operations of an electric generating facility located within such district

Summary

This bill amends a 2015 state funding program that provides mitigation assistance to local governments and school districts that lose property tax revenue when an electric generating facility closes. Under the existing program, eligible entities can receive annual payments from the Urban Development Corporation, subject to available funding and a statewide cap of $140 million, for up to seven years after a facility ceases operations. The amount of assistance is based on the decline in real property tax collections or payments in lieu of taxes associated with the facility. The bill creates a special rule for the Barker Central School District in Niagara County. If Barker is otherwise eligible under the existing program, it would be allowed to receive assistance for up to ten years instead of seven. For years eight through ten, the maximum award would be limited to 20 percent of the loss of revenues, and all other program requirements would continue to apply. The bill takes effect immediately.

Impact

The bill would amend the state’s electric generation facility cessation mitigation fund provisions in the laws governing appropriations for certain municipal corporations and school districts. Its practical effect is to extend the duration of state assistance available to Barker Central School District beyond the general seven-year limit, while leaving the statewide funding cap, eligibility criteria, and payment calculation framework intact. It would not broadly change the program for other local governments or school districts, but would create a district-specific exception in state law.

Sentiment

The available context suggests a generally supportive or at least noncontroversial measure, as the bill was introduced by committee on rules at the request of a member and referred to the Education Committee without recorded opposition, votes, or hearing transcript. The bill’s purpose appears to be to help a local school district manage the fiscal effects of a nearby generating facility shutdown, which is typically framed as a revenue-stabilization issue rather than a partisan policy dispute.

Contention

The main policy issue is the special treatment for Barker Central School District. Supporters would likely view the extension as a targeted remedy for a district facing prolonged revenue loss after a plant closure, while any concern would center on whether a single district should receive longer assistance than other similarly situated entities. Another possible point of contention is the broader use of state mitigation funds and whether extending payments to one district could affect the availability of limited program dollars for other eligible applicants.