S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  5546

                       2013-2014 Regular Sessions

                          I N  A S S E M B L Y

                            February 28, 2013
                               ___________

Introduced  by  M. of A. STEC -- read once and referred to the Committee
  on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

AN ACT to amend the public authorities law and the  transportation  law,
  in  relation to establishing the Corinth and Warren railroad authority
  and establishing the powers and duties of the  town  of  Corinth,  the
  county  of  Warren and other municipalities located along the railroad
  line

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section  1.  Article  8  of  the  public authorities law is amended by
adding a new title 28-D to read as follows:
                               TITLE 28-D
                       CORINTH AND WARREN RAILROAD
                                AUTHORITY
SECTION 2681.   SHORT TITLE.
        2681-A. DEFINITIONS.
        2681-B. CORINTH AND WARREN RAILROAD AUTHORITY.
        2681-C. PURPOSES OF THE AUTHORITY.
        2681-D. GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY.
        2681-E. SPECIAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY.
        2681-F. COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF OTHER AGENCIES.
        2681-G. EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION.
        2681-H. ADVANCES ON BEHALF OF AUTHORITY; TRANSFER OF PROPERTY TO
                  AUTHORITY; ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR AUTHORITY.
        2681-I. NEW YORK STATE AND LOCAL  EMPLOYEES'  RETIREMENT  SYSTEM
                  RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES; CIVIL SERVICE.
        2681-J. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY.
        2681-K. MONIES OF THE AUTHORITY.
        2681-L. CONTRACTS.
        2681-M. ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDIT.
        2681-N. DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION.
        2681-O. ACTION BY OR AGAINST THE AUTHORITY.
        2681-P. TRACK, BRIDGE, SIGNAL, STATION AND OTHER FACILITY OPERA-
                  TION AND MAINTENANCE.

              

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD09348-01-3

A. 5546                             2

        2681-Q. STATE,  COUNTY,  TOWN  AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE FOR
                  OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY.
        2681-R. EFFECT OF INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS.
  S 2681. SHORT TITLE. THIS TITLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE
"CORINTH AND WARREN RAILROAD AUTHORITY ACT".
  S  2681-A. DEFINITIONS. AS USED OR REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE, UNLESS A
DIFFERENT MEANING APPEARS FROM THE CONTEXT:
  1.  "AUTHORITY"  SHALL  MEAN  THE  CORPORATION  CREATED   BY   SECTION
TWENTY-SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE-B OF THIS TITLE.
  2.  "AUTHORITY FACILITIES" SHALL MEAN THE AUTHORITY'S RAILROAD FACILI-
TIES AND OPERATIONS PURSUANT TO JOINT SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS.
  3. "COMPTROLLER" SHALL MEAN THE STATE COMPTROLLER.
  4. "CORINTH AND WARREN RAILROAD LINE" SHALL  MEAN  THE  RAILROAD  LINE
GENERALLY DESCRIBED AS LOCATED BETWEEN MILE POST 94.96 IN NORTH CREEK IN
THE  TOWN  OF  JOHNSBURG  AND COUNTY OF WARREN AND RUNNING APPROXIMATELY
FIFTY-SIX MILES TO MILE POST 39.44 IN THE CITY OF  SARATOGA  SPRINGS  IN
THE COUNTY OF SARATOGA.
  5. "COUNTY" SHALL MEAN THE COUNTY OF WARREN.
  6.  "EQUIPMENT"  SHALL  MEAN ROLLING STOCK, VEHICLES, MOTORS, BOILERS,
ENGINES, WIRES, WAYS, CONDUITS AND MECHANISMS, MACHINERY, TOOLS,  IMPLE-
MENTS,  MATERIALS,  SUPPLIES,  INSTRUMENTS  AND  DEVICES OF EVERY NATURE
WHATSOEVER USED  OR  USEFUL  FOR  RAILROAD  AND  RELATED  TRANSPORTATION
PURPOSES OR FOR THE GENERATION OR TRANSMISSION OF MOTIVE POWER INCLUDING
BUT  NOT  LIMITED TO ALL POWER HOUSES, AND ALL APPARATUS AND ALL DEVICES
FOR SIGNALING, COMMUNICATIONS  AND  VENTILATION  AS  MAY  BE  NECESSARY,
CONVENIENT  OR  DESIRABLE  FOR  THE  OPERATION  OF A RAILROAD OR RELATED
TRANSPORTATION FACILITY.
  7. "JOINT SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS" SHALL MEAN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN OR AMONG
THE AUTHORITY AND ANY COMMON CARRIER OR FREIGHT  FORWARDER,  THE  STATE,
THE  FEDERAL  GOVERNMENT,  ANY  OTHER STATE OR AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY
THEREOF, ANY PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF THIS OR ANY OTHER STATE, OR  ANY  POLI-
TICAL  SUBDIVISION  OR MUNICIPALITY OF THIS OR ANY OTHER STATE, RELATING
TO PROPERTY, BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, FACILITIES, SERVICES, RATES,  FARES,
CLASSIFICATIONS,  DIVISIONS,  ALLOWANCES  OR  CHARGES, OR RULES OR REGU-
LATIONS PERTAINING THERETO, FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR  INCIDENTAL  TO
TRANSPORTATION IN PART IN OR UPON RAILROAD FACILITIES LOCATED WITHIN THE
COUNTY  OF  WARREN OR COUNTY OF SARATOGA AND IN PART IN OR UPON RAILROAD
FACILITIES LOCATED OUTSIDE SAID COUNTY OR TOWN.
  8. "LEGISLATIVE BODY" OR "LEGISLATIVE BODIES" SHALL MEAN ANY OR ALL OF
THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF THE COUNTY OF WARREN AND THE TOWN OF CORINTH.
  9. "MUNICIPALITY" SHALL MEAN ANY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN,  VILLAGE,  SCHOOL
DISTRICT,  IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, ANY OTHER SUCH INSTRUMENTALITY, INCLUD-
ING AN AGENCY OR PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION OF THE STATE, OR ANY OF  THE
FOREGOING, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF.
  10.  "RAILROAD  FACILITIES" SHALL MEAN RIGHT-OF-WAY AND RELATED TRACK-
AGE, RAILS, CARS, LOCOMOTIVES, OTHER ROLLING STOCK, SIGNAL, POWER, FUEL,
COMMUNICATION AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS, POWER  PLANTS,  STATIONS,  TERMI-
NALS,  PARKING  LOTS,  GARAGES,  WAREHOUSES,  STORAGE  YARDS, INTERMODAL
FACILITIES, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SHOPS, YARDS,  EQUIPMENT  AND  PARTS,
OFFICES  AND  OTHER  REAL ESTATE OR PERSONALTY USED OR HELD FOR OR INCI-
DENTAL TO THE OPERATION, REHABILITATION OR IMPROVEMENT OF  ANY  RAILROAD
OPERATING  OR  TO OPERATE BETWEEN POINTS WITHIN THE COUNTY OF WARREN AND
THE COUNTY OF  SARATOGA  OR  PURSUANT  TO  JOINT  SERVICE  ARRANGEMENTS,
INCLUDING  BUT  NOT LIMITED TO BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, AND AREAS NOTWITH-
STANDING THAT PORTIONS THEREOF  MAY  NOT  BE  DEVOTED  TO  ANY  RAILROAD

A. 5546                             3

PURPOSE  OTHER  THAN  THE PRODUCTION OF REVENUES AVAILABLE FOR THE COSTS
AND EXPENSES OF ALL OR ANY FACILITIES OF THE AUTHORITY.
  11.  "REAL  PROPERTY"  SHALL  MEAN  LANDS,  STRUCTURES, FRANCHISES AND
INTERESTS IN LAND, WATERS, LANDS UNDER WATER, RIPARIAN  RIGHTS  AND  AIR
RIGHTS  AND  ANY AND ALL THINGS AND RIGHTS INCLUDED WITHIN SAID TERM AND
INCLUDES NOT ONLY FEES SIMPLE ABSOLUTE  BUT  ALSO  ANY  AND  ALL  LESSER
INTERESTS  INCLUDING  BUT NOT LIMITED TO EASEMENTS, RIGHTS-OF-WAY, USES,
LEASES, LICENSES AND  ALL  OTHER  INCORPOREAL  HEREDITAMENTS  AND  EVERY
ESTATE, INTEREST OR RIGHT, LEGAL OR EQUITABLE, INCLUDING TERMS FOR YEARS
AND LIENS THEREON BY WAY OF JUDGMENTS, MORTGAGES OR OTHERWISE.
  12. "TOWN" SHALL MEAN THE TOWN OF CORINTH IN THE COUNTY OF SARATOGA.
  S  2681-B. CORINTH  AND  WARREN RAILROAD AUTHORITY. 1. THERE IS HEREBY
CREATED THE "CORINTH AND WARREN RAILROAD AUTHORITY"  WHICH  SHALL  BE  A
BODY CORPORATE AND POLITIC CONSTITUTING A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION.
  2.  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL CONTINUE FOR THIRTY YEARS FROM THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THIS TITLE, OR SO LONG AS IT SHALL HAVE  BONDS  OR  OTHER  OBLI-
GATIONS OUTSTANDING OR UNTIL IT CAN NO LONGER SECURE OPERATIONS OF TRAIN
SERVICES  WHICH  PROVIDE  FREIGHT, PASSENGER AND TOURIST SERVICES WITHIN
THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE OR UNTIL ITS EXISTENCE SHALL OTHERWISE BE TERMI-
NATED BY LAW.  UPON THE TERMINATION OF THE EXISTENCE OF  THE  AUTHORITY,
ALL  ITS RIGHTS AND PROPERTIES SHALL PASS TO AND BE VESTED IN THE COUNTY
AND THE TOWN PURSUANT TO ANY AGREEMENTS AMONG THE COUNTY, THE  TOWN  AND
THE AUTHORITY.
  3.  THE AUTHORITY SHALL ADOPT BY-LAWS GOVERNING ITS OPERATION AND KEEP
A RECORD OF ITS RESOLUTIONS, TRANSACTIONS, FINDINGS AND  DETERMINATIONS,
WHICH RECORD SHALL BE A PUBLIC RECORD.
  4. THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING SIX MEMBERS:
  (A)  THE  COUNTY  LEGISLATIVE  BODY  OF THE COUNTY SHALL APPOINT THREE
VOTING MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY WHO SHALL BE RESIDENTS OF  SUCH  COUNTY,
UPON  THE  RECOMMENDATION  OF  THE  CHIEF EXECUTIVE (COUNTY EXECUTIVE OR
CHAIR OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE BODY) OF THE COUNTY; AND
  (B) THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN SHALL APPOINT THREE VOTING  MEMBERS  OF
THE  AUTHORITY WHO SHALL BE RESIDENTS OF SUCH TOWN, UPON THE RECOMMENDA-
TION OF THE SUPERVISOR OF THE TOWN.
  5. THE TERM OF OFFICE OF MEMBERS  OF  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL  BE  THREE
YEARS.    TWO  OF THE INITIAL MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL SERVE A ONE
YEAR TERM, TWO SHALL SERVE A TWO YEAR TERM AND TWO SHALL SERVE  A  THREE
YEAR TERM.
  6.  ALL  MEMBERS  SHALL CONTINUE TO HOLD OFFICE UNTIL THEIR SUCCESSORS
ARE APPOINTED AND QUALIFIED. THE RESIGNATION  OF  ANY  MEMBER  SHALL  BE
FILED  WITH  THE  APPOINTING  AUTHORITY  AND  SHALL BE EFFECTIVE WHEN SO
FILED.   VACANCIES OCCURRING OTHERWISE THAN BY  EXPIRATION  OF  TERM  OF
OFFICE  SHALL  BE  FILLED  FOR  THE UNEXPIRED TERM IN THE SAME MANNER AS
PROVIDED FOR THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT.
  7. THE CHAIRPERSON, VICE-CHAIRPERSON, SECRETARY, AND  OTHER  NECESSARY
OFFICERS  SHALL BE NAMED BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF ALL THE VOTING MEMBERS TO
SERVE FOR SUCH PERIOD AS THE MEMBERS SHALL DECIDE. THE CHAIRPERSON SHALL
PRESIDE OVER THE MEETINGS OF THE AUTHORITY AND SHALL APPOINT MEMBERS  OF
THE  AUTHORITY  TO COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY TO ASSIST THE
AUTHORITY IN CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES.
  8. ANY MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY MAY BE REMOVED  BY  RESOLUTION  OF  THE
ENTITY  WHICH  APPOINTED SUCH MEMBER EITHER FOR CAUSE OR FOR NON-COMPLI-
ANCE WITH MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO MEETING ATTENDANCE AND  OTHER
CRITERIA AS MAY BE ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION OF SUCH ENTITY.
  9.  NO  PERSON  SHALL  BE  PRECLUDED  FROM  SERVING AS A MEMBER OF THE
AUTHORITY AS APPOINTED BY THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE BODY OR THE TOWN  BOARD

A. 5546                             4

PURSUANT  TO THIS SECTION BECAUSE SUCH MEMBER IS AN ELECTED OR APPOINTED
OFFICIAL OF A MUNICIPALITY, EXCEPT THAT NO MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL
VOTE ON ANY MATTER BEFORE THE AUTHORITY WHICH HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF  A
PROPOSAL,  APPLICATION  OR  VOTE BEFORE THE MUNICIPALITY WHERE HE OR SHE
SERVES IN SUCH ELECTED OR APPOINTED CAPACITY.
  10. THE MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL RECEIVE NO  SALARY  OR  COMPEN-
SATION  FOR THEIR SERVICES, BUT MAY BE REIMBURSED FOR AUTHORIZED, ACTUAL
AND NECESSARY TRAVEL AND EXPENDITURES.
  11. A MAJORITY OF THE WHOLE NUMBER OF VOTING MEMBERS OF THE  AUTHORITY
THEN  IN  OFFICE  SHALL  CONSTITUTE  A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF ANY
BUSINESS OR THE EXERCISE OF ANY POWER OF THE AUTHORITY.  NOTWITHSTANDING
ANY  PROVISION OF STATUTE OR LAW TO THE CONTRARY AND EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE
SPECIFIED IN THIS TITLE, FOR THE TRANSACTION  OF  ANY  BUSINESS  OR  THE
EXERCISE  OF  ANY POWER OF THE AUTHORITY, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER
TO ACT BY A MAJORITY OF THE  WHOLE  NUMBER  OF  VOTING  MEMBERS  OF  THE
AUTHORITY.
  12.  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL  BE  DEEMED  A STATE AGENCY FOR PURPOSES OF
SECTION SEVENTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT
NO NON-VOTING MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL  BE  DEEMED  AN  OFFICER  OR
EMPLOYEE OF A STATE AGENCY.
  S  2681-C. PURPOSES OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. THE PURPOSES OF THE AUTHORITY
SHALL BE THE ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT, CONTINUANCE,  FURTHER  DEVELOP-
MENT  AND  IMPROVEMENT  OF  RAILROAD  TRANSPORTATION  AND OTHER SERVICES
RELATED THERETO WITHIN THE COUNTIES  OF  WARREN  AND  SARATOGA  AND  THE
PROMOTION  OF  TOURISM, FREIGHT AND PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION, IN ACCORD-
ANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. IT SHALL BE THE FURTHER  PURPOSE
OF THE AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A UNIFIED RAILROAD TRANSPORTA-
TION  POLICY AND STRATEGY FOR SUCH COUNTY AND TOWN.  WHEN ADMINISTERING,
MANAGING, CONTINUING, DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING RAILROAD  FACILITIES,  OR
FORMULATING  STRATEGIES,  POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS RELATED THERETO,
THE AUTHORITY SHALL UNDERTAKE TO ENCOURAGE  AND  WORK  TO  CONTINUE  AND
CAUSE  THE  GROWTH  OF  THE  OPERATION OF TOURISM TRAINS THAT PROVIDE AN
ATTRACTION AND OPPORTUNITY FOR TOURISTS TO TAKE SCENIC TRAIN RIDES,  SKI
TRAINS TO NORTH CREEK, THOMAS THE TANK, POLAR EXPRESS OR SIMILAR SPECIAL
EVENTS  AND  OTHERWISE  CAUSE TRAIN OPERATIONS THAT NOT ONLY PROVIDE THE
USUAL FREIGHT AND PASSENGER SERVICE,  BUT  ALSO  PROMOTE  AND  ENCOURAGE
TOURISM IN AND AMONG THE COMMUNITIES ALONG THE RAIL LINE.
  2.  IT  IS  HEREBY  FOUND  AND  DECLARED THAT SUCH PURPOSES ARE IN ALL
RESPECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE  AND  THE  AUTHORITY
SHALL  BE  REGARDED  AS PERFORMING AN ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION IN
CARRYING OUT ITS PURPOSES AND IN EXERCISING THE POWERS GRANTED  BY  THIS
TITLE.
  S 2681-D. GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE LIMITED
BY THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER:
  1. TO SUE AND BE SUED;
  2. TO HAVE A SEAL AND ALTER THE SAME AT PLEASURE;
  3. TO BORROW MONEY;
  4. TO INVEST ANY FUNDS HELD IN RESERVE OR SINKING FUNDS, OR ANY MONIES
NOT REQUIRED FOR IMMEDIATE USE OR DISBURSEMENT, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE
AUTHORITY,  IN  OBLIGATIONS  IN  WHICH  THE STATE COMPTROLLER MAY INVEST
PURSUANT TO SECTION NINETY-EIGHT OR NINETY-EIGHT-A OF THE STATE  FINANCE
LAW;
  5. TO MAKE AND ALTER BY-LAWS FOR ITS ORGANIZATION AND INTERNAL MANAGE-
MENT, AND RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS AND
THE FULFILLMENT OF ITS PURPOSES UNDER THIS TITLE;

A. 5546                             5

  6.  TO  ENTER INTO CONTRACTS AND LEASES AND TO EXECUTE ALL INSTRUMENTS
NECESSARY OR CONVENIENT;
  7.  TO  ACQUIRE,  HOLD AND DISPOSE OF REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE
EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS FOR ITS CORPORATE PURPOSES;
  8. THE AUTHORITY MAY, WHENEVER IT SHALL DETERMINE THAT IT  IS  NOT  IN
CONFLICT WITH THE INTERESTS OR PURPOSES OF THE AUTHORITY, RENT, LEASE OR
GRANT EASEMENTS OR OTHER RIGHTS IN, ANY LAND OR PROPERTY OF THE AUTHORI-
TY, INCLUDING THE GRANTING OF MUNICIPAL UTILITY EASEMENTS;
  9.  TO  APPOINT  SUCH OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES AS IT MAY REQUIRE FOR THE
PERFORMANCE OF ITS DUTIES, AND TO FIX  AND  DETERMINE  THEIR  QUALIFICA-
TIONS,  DUTIES,  AND COMPENSATION AND TO RETAIN OR EMPLOY COUNSEL, AUDI-
TORS, ENGINEERS AND PRIVATE CONSULTANTS ON A CONTRACT BASIS OR OTHERWISE
FOR RENDERING PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ADVICE; SUCH  COUN-
SEL,  AUDITORS, ENGINEERS, AND PRIVATE CONSULTANTS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOY-
EES MAY NOT BE A MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY;
  10. TO MAKE PLANS,  SURVEYS,  AND  STUDIES  NECESSARY,  CONVENIENT  OR
DESIRABLE TO THE EFFECTUATION OF THE PURPOSES AND POWERS OF THE AUTHORI-
TY AND TO PREPARE RECOMMENDATIONS IN REGARD THERETO;
  11. TO CONTRACT FOR AND ACCEPT ANY GIFTS OR GRANTS, SUBSIDIES OR LOANS
OF  FUNDS  OR  PROPERTY  OR  FINANCIAL OR OTHER AID IN ANY FORM FROM THE
FEDERAL OR STATE GOVERNMENT OR ANY AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY THEREOF, OR
FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, AND TO COMPLY, SUBJECT TO  THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS THEREOF;
  12. TO DESIGNATE THE DEPOSITORIES OF ITS MONEY;
  13. TO ESTABLISH ITS FISCAL YEAR; AND
  14. TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY OR CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE TO CARRY OUT
ITS PURPOSES AND EXERCISE THE POWERS EXPRESSLY GIVEN IN THIS TITLE.
  S  2681-E. SPECIAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY. IN ORDER TO EFFECTUATE THE
PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE: 1. THE AUTHORITY MAY ACQUIRE, BY PURCHASE, GIFT,
GRANT, TRANSFER, CONTRACT OR LEASE, ANY  RAILROAD  FACILITY,  WHOLLY  OR
PARTIALLY  WITHIN  THE  COUNTY  OR  TOWN OR ANY PART THEREOF, OR THE USE
THEREOF, AND MAY ENTER INTO ANY JOINT SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS  AS  PROVIDED
IN THIS SECTION. ANY SUCH ACQUISITION OR JOINT SERVICE ARRANGEMENT SHALL
BE  AUTHORIZED  ONLY BY RESOLUTION OF THE AUTHORITY APPROVED BY NOT LESS
THAN A MAJORITY OF THE WHOLE NUMBER OF VOTING MEMBERS OF THE  AUTHORITY.
IN  ADDITION  TO AND NOT IN LIMITATION OF ANY OTHER POWER CONFERRED UPON
THE AUTHORITY BY THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY  IS  HEREBY
EMPOWERED  AND  AUTHORIZED  IN RESPECT OF ANY PROPERTY AND ASSETS AT ANY
TIME OWNED OR HELD BY, OR UNDER THE  JURISDICTION  OF,  THE  STATE,  ANY
POLITICAL  SUBDIVISION  THEREOF, OR ANY PRIVATE OR OTHER PUBLIC CONCERN,
TO ACCEPT AND RECEIVE ANY SUCH INTEREST THEREIN AS IT MAY HAVE  BEEN  OR
MAY  HEREAFTER  BE  DESIGNATED  BY  THE STATE, ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
THEREOF, OR ANY OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CONCERN, BY LAW OR OTHER  LAWFUL
MEANS  TO  RECEIVE, AND IN RESPECT THEREOF, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED
BY THE DESIGNATING STATUTE OR CONTRACTUAL INSTRUMENT, IT SHALL HAVE  AND
EXERCISE  ALL OF THE POWERS AND JURISDICTION HEREIN CONFERRED UPON IT IN
RESPECT OF ANY OTHER PROPERTY, RIGHTS, ASSETS, FACILITIES  AND  PROJECTS
IN  ANY  OTHER  MANNER  ACQUIRED OR FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE RECEIVED BY IT
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE.
  2. THE AUTHORITY MAY ON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS THE AUTHORITY MAY
DETERMINE  NECESSARY,  CONVENIENT   OR   DESIRABLE   ITSELF   ESTABLISH,
CONSTRUCT,  EFFECTUATE,  OPERATE, MAINTAIN, RENOVATE, IMPROVE, EXTEND OR
REPAIR ANY SUCH RAILROAD FACILITY, OR MAY PROVIDE  FOR  SUCH  ESTABLISH-
MENT,  CONSTRUCTION,  EFFECTUATION,  OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, RENOVATION,
IMPROVEMENT, EXTENSION OR REPAIR BY CONTRACT, LEASE, OR  OTHER  ARRANGE-
MENT  ON  SUCH  TERMS AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR

A. 5546                             6

DESIRABLE WITH ANY PERSON, INCLUDING, BUT NOT  LIMITED  TO,  ANY  COMMON
CARRIER  OR  FREIGHT  FORWARDER  OR  OTHER  PRIVATE FOR-PROFIT FIRM, THE
STATE, ANY AGENCY OR THE STATE, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, ANY OTHER  STATE
OR  AGENCY  OR  INSTRUMENTALITY THEREOF, ANY NON-PROFIT CORPORATION, ANY
PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF THIS OR ANY OTHER STATE OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
OR MUNICIPALITY OF THE STATE. IN CONNECTION WITH THE  OPERATION  OF  ANY
SUCH RAILROAD FACILITY, THE AUTHORITY MAY ESTABLISH, CONSTRUCT, EFFECTU-
ATE,  OPERATE,  MAINTAIN,  RENOVATE,  IMPROVE,  EXTEND  OR REPAIR OR MAY
PROVIDE BY CONTRACT, LEASE OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT FOR  THE  ESTABLISHMENT,
CONSTRUCTION, EFFECTUATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, RENOVATION, IMPROVE-
MENT,  EXTENSION  OR  REPAIR  OF  ANY RELATED SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES IT
DEEMS NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
THE TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF FREIGHT AND THE  UNITED  STATES  MAIL,
FEEDER  AND  CONNECTING  TRANSPORTATION,  PARKING  AREAS, TRANSPORTATION
CENTERS, STATIONS AND RELATED FACILITIES.
  3. THE AUTHORITY MAY ESTABLISH, LEVY AND COLLECT OR CAUSE TO BE ESTAB-
LISHED, LEVIED AND COLLECTED  AND,  IN  THE  CASE  OF  A  JOINT  SERVICE
ARRANGEMENT,  JOIN WITH OTHERS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT, LEVY AND COLLECTION
OF SUCH FARES, TOLLS, RENTALS, RATES, CHARGES AND OTHER FEES AS  IT  MAY
DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE FOR THE USE AND OPERATION OF ANY
RAILROAD  FACILITY  AND  RELATED  SERVICES  OPERATED BY THE AUTHORITY OR
UNDER CONTRACT, LEASE OR  OTHER  ARRANGEMENT,  INCLUDING  JOINT  SERVICE
ARRANGEMENTS, WITH THE AUTHORITY.
  4.  THE  AUTHORITY  MAY  ESTABLISH  AND,  IN THE CASE OF JOINT SERVICE
ARRANGEMENTS, JOIN WITH OTHERS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT  OF  SUCH  SCHEDULES
AND STANDARDS OF OPERATIONS AND SUCH OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS INCLUD-
ING  BUT  NOT LIMITED TO RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CONDUCT AND
SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT  OR  DESIRABLE
FOR  THE USE AND OPERATION OF ANY RAILROAD FACILITY AND RELATED SERVICES
OPERATED BY THE AUTHORITY OR UNDER CONTRACT, LEASE OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT,
INCLUDING JOINT SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS, WITH THE AUTHORITY.
  5. THE AUTHORITY MAY ACQUIRE, HOLD, OWN, LEASE, ESTABLISH,  CONSTRUCT,
EFFECTUATE,  OPERATE,  MAINTAIN, RENOVATE, IMPROVE, EXTEND OR REPAIR ANY
OF ITS FACILITIES.
  6. THE AUTHORITY, IN ITS OWN NAME,  MAY  APPLY  FOR  AND  RECEIVE  AND
ACCEPT  GRANTS  OF  PROPERTY,  MONEY  AND  SERVICES AND OTHER ASSISTANCE
OFFERED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO IT BY  ANY  PERSON,  GOVERNMENT  OR  AGENCY
WHICH IT MAY USE TO MEET CAPITAL OR OPERATING EXPENSES AND FOR ANY OTHER
USE  WITHIN  THE SCOPE OF ITS POWERS, AND TO NEGOTIATE FOR THE SAME UPON
SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DETERMINE  TO  BE  NECES-
SARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE.
  7.  THE  AUTHORITY MAY DO ALL THINGS IT DEEMS NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR
DESIRABLE TO MANAGE, CONTROL AND DIRECT THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF
RAILROAD FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT OR REAL PROPERTY  OPERATED  BY  OR  UNDER
CONTRACT, LEASE OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT WITH THE AUTHORITY. EXCEPT AS HERE-
INAFTER  SPECIALLY  PROVIDED,  NO MUNICIPALITY OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO A COUNTY, CITY, VILLAGE, TOWN OR SCHOOL  OR
OTHER  DISTRICT  SHALL  HAVE  JURISDICTION  OVER  ANY  FACILITIES OF THE
AUTHORITY OR ANY OF ITS ACTIVITIES OR OPERATIONS. THE LOCAL LAWS, RESOL-
UTIONS, ORDINANCES, RULES AND REGULATIONS OF A MUNICIPALITY OR POLITICAL
SUBDIVISION IN THE STATE CONFLICTING WITH THIS  TITLE  OR  ANY  RULE  OR
REGULATION  OF  THE AUTHORITY, SHALL NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE ACTIVITIES
OR OPERATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY, OR  THE  FACILITIES  OF  THE  AUTHORITY,
EXCEPT SUCH FACILITIES THAT ARE DEVOTED TO PURPOSES OTHER THAN TRANSPOR-
TATION  PURPOSES.  THE AUTHORITY MAY AGREE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANS-
PORTATION FOR THE EXECUTION BY SUCH DEPARTMENT  OF  ANY  GRADE  CROSSING

A. 5546                             7

ELIMINATION  PROJECT  OR  ANY  GRADE  CROSSING SEPARATION RECONSTRUCTION
PROJECT ALONG ANY RAILROAD FACILITY OPERATED BY THE AUTHORITY  OR  UNDER
CONTRACT,  LEASE  OR  OTHER  ARRANGEMENT  WITH  THE  AUTHORITY. ANY SUCH
PROJECT  SHALL BE EXECUTED AS PROVIDED IN ARTICLE TEN OF THE TRANSPORTA-
TION LAW AND THE RAILROAD LAW, RESPECTIVELY, AND THE COSTS OF  ANY  SUCH
PROJECT SHALL BE BORNE AS PROVIDED IN SUCH LAWS.
  S  2681-F.  COOPERATION  AND ASSISTANCE OF OTHER AGENCIES. 1. TO AVOID
DUPLICATION OF EFFORT AND IN THE INTERESTS OF ECONOMY, THE AUTHORITY MAY
MAKE USE OF EXISTING STUDIES, SURVEYS, PLANS, DATA AND  OTHER  MATERIALS
IN  THE  POSSESSION OF ANY STATE AGENCY OR ANY MUNICIPALITY OR POLITICAL
SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE. EACH SUCH AGENCY, MUNICIPALITY OR  SUBDIVISION
LOCATED  IN OR SERVING SOME PORTION OF THE STATE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO
MAKE THE SAME AVAILABLE TO THE AUTHORITY AND OTHERWISE TO ASSIST  IT  IN
THE  PERFORMANCE OF ITS FUNCTIONS. AT THE REQUEST OF THE AUTHORITY, EACH
SUCH AGENCY, MUNICIPALITY OR SUBDIVISION  LOCATED  IN  OR  SERVING  SOME
PORTION  OF  THE STATE WHICH IS ENGAGED IN RAILROAD OR OTHER TRANSPORTA-
TION ACTIVITIES OR IN LAND USE OR  DEVELOPMENT  PLANNING,  OR  WHICH  IS
CHARGED  WITH  THE  DUTY  OF  PROVIDING OR REGULATING ANY TRANSPORTATION
FACILITY OR ANY OTHER PUBLIC FACILITY, IS FURTHER AUTHORIZED TO  PROVIDE
THE  AUTHORITY WITH INFORMATION REGARDING ITS PLANS AND PROGRAMS AFFECT-
ING RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION WITHIN THE PARTICIPATING  COUNTIES  SO  THAT
THE  AUTHORITY MAY HAVE AVAILABLE TO IT CURRENT INFORMATION WITH RESPECT
THERETO. THE OFFICERS AND PERSONNEL OF SUCH AGENCIES, MUNICIPALITIES  OR
SUBDIVISIONS,  AND OF ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT OR AGENCY WHATEVER, MAY SERVE
AT THE REQUEST OF THE AUTHORITY UPON SUCH  ADVISORY  COMMITTEES  AS  THE
AUTHORITY  SHALL DETERMINE TO CREATE AND SUCH OFFICERS AND PERSONNEL MAY
SERVE UPON SUCH COMMITTEES WITHOUT FORFEITURE OF  OFFICE  OR  EMPLOYMENT
AND  WITH  NO LOSS OR DIMINUTION IN THE COMPENSATION, STATUS, RIGHTS AND
PRIVILEGES WHICH THEY OTHERWISE ENJOY.
  2. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY CONTRARY PROVISION OF LAW,  THE  COUNTY,  EVERY
MUNICIPALITY  LOCATED  IN  THE  COUNTY  AND  THE TOWN ARE AUTHORIZED AND
EMPOWERED TO CONSENT TO THE USE BY THE AUTHORITY OF ANY REAL OR PERSONAL
PROPERTY OWNED BY ANY SUCH MUNICIPALITY  AND  NECESSARY,  CONVENIENT  OR
DESIRABLE  IN  THE OPINION OF THE AUTHORITY FOR ANY OF THE FACILITIES OR
PROJECTS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS TITLE, INCLUDING SUCH  REAL  PROPERTY  AS
HAS  ALREADY  BEEN  DEVOTED  TO A PUBLIC USE, AND AS AN INCIDENT TO SUCH
CONSENT, TO LEASE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER AND CONVEY TO THE AUTHORITY  ANY
SUCH  REAL  OR PERSONAL PROPERTY UPON SUCH TERMS AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY
THE AUTHORITY AND ANY SUCH MUNICIPALITY. EVERY SUCH MUNICIPALITY ALSO IS
AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED, AS AN INCIDENT TO SUCH CONSENT, TO VEST IN THE
AUTHORITY THE CONTROL, POSSESSION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, RENTS, CHARG-
ES AND ANY AND ALL OTHER REVENUES OF ANY FACILITIES  NOW  OWNED  BY  ANY
SUCH  MUNICIPALITY, THE TITLE TO SUCH FACILITIES REMAINING IN SUCH MUNI-
CIPALITY.
  S 2681-G. EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION. 1. IT IS HEREBY DETERMINED THAT THE
CREATION OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE CARRYING OUT  OF  ITS  PURPOSES  UNDER
THIS  TITLE  ARE  IN  ALL  RESPECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK AND IS A PUBLIC PURPOSE.  ACCORDINGLY,  THE  AUTHORITY
SHALL  BE  REGARDED  AS PERFORMING AN ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION IN
THE EXERCISE OF THE POWERS CONFERRED UPON IT  BY  THIS  TITLE,  AND  THE
AUTHORITY SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY ANY FEES, TAXES, SPECIAL AD VALO-
REM LEVIES OR ASSESSMENTS OF ANY KIND, WHETHER STATE OR LOCAL, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO FEES, TAXES, SPECIAL AD VALOREM LEVIES OR ASSESSMENTS
ON  REAL  PROPERTY, FRANCHISE TAXES, SALES TAXES OR OTHER TAXES, UPON OR
WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROPERTY OWNED BY  IT  OR  UNDER  ITS  JURISDICTION,
CONTROL  OR  SUPERVISION,  OR  UPON  THE  USES  THEREOF, OR UPON OR WITH

A. 5546                             8

RESPECT TO ITS ACTIVITIES OR OPERATIONS IN  FURTHERANCE  OF  THE  POWERS
CONFERRED  UPON  IT BY THIS TITLE, OR UPON OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY FARES,
TOLLS, RENTALS, RATES, CHARGES, FEES, REVENUES OR OTHER INCOME  RECEIVED
BY  THE  AUTHORITY,  EXCEPT  THAT  THE AUTHORITY SHALL PAY REAL PROPERTY
TAXES, SPECIAL AD VALOREM LEVIES AND ASSESSMENTS ON  THAT  PART  OF  THE
RAILROAD  TRACKS  AND PROPERTY OWNED BY THE COUNTY ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE
OF THIS TITLE AND LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF  SARATOGA,  AND  ON  RAILROAD
TRACKS  AND  PROPERTY  OWNED  BY  THE TOWN ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
TITLE AND LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN.
  2. NOTWITHSTANDING SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, THE  AUTHORITY  OR
ANY  LESSEES  OF  THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PAY WATER AND SEWER
FEES, WATER AND SEWER ASSESSMENTS OR WATER AND SEWER SPECIAL AD  VALOREM
LEVIES,  EXCEPT  THAT  SUCH  TAXING JURISDICTIONS WHERE THE AUTHORITY IS
REQUIRED TO PAY REAL PROPERTY TAXES AND SPECIAL AD  VALOREM  LEVIES  AND
ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION.
  3.  THE AUTHORITY MAY PAY, OR MAY ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH ANY MUNI-
CIPALITY, INCLUDING SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TO PAY, A SUM OR SUMS ANNUALLY  OR
OTHERWISE  OR TO PROVIDE OTHER CONSIDERATIONS WITH RESPECT TO REAL PROP-
ERTY OWNED BY THE AUTHORITY LOCATED WITHIN SUCH MUNICIPALITY.
  S 2681-H. ADVANCES ON BEHALF OF AUTHORITY;  TRANSFER  OF  PROPERTY  TO
AUTHORITY;  ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR AUTHORITY. 1. IN ADDITION TO ANY
POWERS GRANTED TO IT BY LAW, THE COUNTY OR THE TOWN  MAY  BY  RESOLUTION
ADVANCE  SUMS  OF MONEY TO OR ON BEHALF OF THE AUTHORITY TO DEFRAY COSTS
OR EXPENSES OF THE AUTHORITY TO BE INCURRED PRIOR TO THE FIRST  ISSUANCE
OF BONDS. SUBJECT TO THE RIGHTS OF ANY BONDHOLDERS, THE MONEYS SO APPRO-
PRIATED MAY BE REPAID BY THE AUTHORITY TO THE COUNTY OR THE TOWN AT SUCH
TIME  AND IN SUCH MANNER AS MAY BE AGREED UPON BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND
THE COUNTY OR THE TOWN.
  2. THE COUNTY OR THE TOWN OR ANY OTHER MUNICIPALITY ALONG THE  CORINTH
AND  WARREN  RAILROAD  LINE MAY BY RESOLUTION GIVE, GRANT, SELL, CONVEY,
LEND, OR LICENSE THE USE OF OR LEASE TO THE AUTHORITY  ANY  PROPERTY  OR
FACILITY  WHICH  IS  USEFUL  TO  THE AUTHORITY IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT ITS
POWERS UNDER THIS TITLE. ANY SUCH TRANSFER OF  PROPERTY  SHALL  BE  UPON
SUCH  TERMS AND CONDITIONS, SUBJECT TO THE RIGHTS OF ANY BONDHOLDERS, AS
THE AUTHORITY AND THE COUNTY, THE TOWN OR THE MUNICIPALITY MAY AGREE.
  3. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF ANY OTHER LAW, GENERAL,  SPECIAL,
OR  LOCAL,  REAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY OR THE COUNTY OR THE
TOWN FROM THE STATE MAY BE USED FOR ANY CORPORATE PURPOSE OF THE AUTHOR-
ITY.
  S 2681-I. NEW YORK STATE AND LOCAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM RIGHTS
OF EMPLOYEES; CIVIL SERVICE. 1. IN ACCORDANCE  WITH  THE  PROVISIONS  OF
SECTION  SEVENTY  OF THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW, ANY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A
MUNICIPALITY TRANSFERRED TO THE AUTHORITY SHALL  BE  ELIGIBLE  FOR  SUCH
TRANSFER  AND  APPOINTMENT,  WITHOUT  FURTHER EXAMINATION, TO APPLICABLE
OFFICES, POSITIONS AND EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE AUTHORITY. ANY SUCH OFFICERS
OR EMPLOYEES SO TRANSFERRED TO THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO  THIS  SECTION,
WHO  ARE  MEMBERS OF OR BENEFIT UNDER ANY EXISTING PENSION OR RETIREMENT
FUND OR SYSTEM, SHALL CONTINUE TO HAVE  ALL  RIGHTS,  PRIVILEGES,  OBLI-
GATIONS  AND  STATUS  WITH  RESPECT  TO  SUCH  FUND OR SYSTEM AS ARE NOW
PRESCRIBED BY LAW.
  2. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS TITLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED (A) TO  DIMINISH
THE RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES PURSUANT TO A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT OR
(B)  TO AFFECT EXISTING LAW WITH RESPECT TO AN APPLICATION TO THE PUBLIC
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD SEEKING  A  DESIGNATION  BY  THE  BOARD  THAT
CERTAIN PERSONS ARE MANAGERIAL OR CONFIDENTIAL.

A. 5546                             9

  S  2681-J.  EQUAL  EMPLOYMENT  OPPORTUNITY. THE AUTHORITY SHALL ENSURE
THAT ALL EMPLOYEES OR  APPLICANTS  FOR  EMPLOYMENT  ARE  AFFORDED  EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY  EMPLOYMENT  WITHOUT  DISCRIMINATION ON ANY BASIS PROHIBITED
UNDER SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION FORTY-C OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS LAW.
  S  2681-K.  MONIES  OF THE AUTHORITY. ALL MONIES OF THE AUTHORITY FROM
WHATEVER SOURCE DERIVED SHALL BE PAID TO THE TREASURER OF THE  AUTHORITY
AND  SHALL  BE  DEPOSITED  FORTHWITH IN AN INTEREST-BEARING ACCOUNT IN A
BANK OR BANKS DESIGNATED BY THE AUTHORITY. THE MONIES IN  SUCH  ACCOUNTS
SHALL BE PAID OUT OR WITHDRAWN ON THE ORDER OF SUCH PERSON OR PERSONS AS
THE  AUTHORITY  MAY AUTHORIZE TO MAKE SUCH REQUISITIONS. ALL DEPOSITS OF
SUCH MONIES SHALL BE SECURED BY OBLIGATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES  OR  OF
THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY OF A MARKET VALUE EQUAL AT ALL TIMES TO
THE  AMOUNT  ON DEPOSIT AND ALL BANKS AND TRUST COMPANIES ARE AUTHORIZED
TO GIVE SUCH SECURITY FOR SUCH  DEPOSITS.  TO  THE  EXTENT  PRACTICABLE,
CONSISTENT  WITH THE CASH REQUIREMENTS OF THE AUTHORITY, ALL SUCH MONIES
SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN  INTEREST-BEARING  ACCOUNTS.  ANY  MONIES  OF  THE
AUTHORITY  NOT  REQUIRED  FOR  IMMEDIATE  USE  OR  DISBURSEMENT  MAY, BE
INVESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION NINETY-EIGHT  OR  NINETY-EIGHT-A  OF
THE STATE FINANCE LAW.
  S  2681-L.  CONTRACTS.  1.  ALL CONTRACTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, RECON-
STRUCTION, REHABILITATION OR IMPROVEMENT OF BUILDINGS LET BY THE AUTHOR-
ITY SHALL COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION TWO  HUNDRED  TWENTY  OF
THE  LABOR LAW AND SHALL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF LAW APPLI-
CABLE TO CONTRACTS LET BY A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, EXCEPT  AS  OTHERWISE
PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE.
  2.  ALL CONTRACTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION
OR IMPROVEMENT OF BUILDINGS LET BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE IN  CONFORMITY
WITH THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE OF THE
STATE FINANCE LAW.
  3.  THE  AUTHORITY MAY, IN ITS DISCRETION, ASSIGN CONTRACTS FOR SUPER-
VISION AND COORDINATION TO THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER FOR ANY SUBDIVISION  OF
WORK  FOR  WHICH  THE AUTHORITY RECEIVES BIDS. ANY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
AWARDED BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONTAIN SUCH OTHER TERMS  AND  CONDITIONS
AS  THE  AUTHORITY  MAY  DEEM  DESIRABLE.  THE AUTHORITY SHALL AWARD ANY
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT INVOLVING AN EXPENDITURE OF MORE THAN  THIRTY-FIVE
THOUSAND  DOLLARS TO THE LOWEST BIDDER WHO, IN ITS OPINION, IS QUALIFIED
TO PERFORM THE WORK REQUIRED AND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE  AND  RELIABLE.  THE
AUTHORITY  MAY, HOWEVER, REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS OR WAIVE ANY INFORMALITY
IN A BID IF IT BELIEVES THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST WILL BE PROMOTED THERE-
BY. THE AUTHORITY MAY REJECT ANY BID, IF, IN ITS JUDGMENT, THE  BUSINESS
AND  TECHNICAL  ORGANIZATION,  PLANT,  RESOURCES, FINANCIAL STANDING, OR
EXPERIENCE OF THE BIDDER JUSTIFIES SUCH REJECTION IN VIEW OF THE WORK TO
BE PERFORMED.
  4. FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE FIFTEEN-A OF THE  EXECUTIVE  LAW  ONLY,
THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL  BE  DEEMED A STATE AGENCY AS THAT TERM IS USED IN
SUCH ARTICLE, AND ALL CONTRACTS FOR PROCUREMENT,  DESIGN,  CONSTRUCTION,
SERVICES  AND MATERIALS SHALL BE DEEMED STATE CONTRACTS WITHIN THE MEAN-
ING OF THAT TERM AS SET FORTH IN SUCH ARTICLE.
  S 2681-M. ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDIT. IN CONFORMITY WITH  THE  PROVISIONS
OF  SECTION FIVE OF ARTICLE TEN OF THE CONSTITUTION, THE ACCOUNTS OF THE
AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SUPERVISION OF THE COMPTROLLER AND  AN
ANNUAL  AUDIT  SHALL  BE  PERFORMED  BY  AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANT. THE AUTHORITY SHALL ANNUALLY SUBMIT TO THE  COUNTY  LEGISLA-
TURE, TOWN BOARD, GOVERNOR AND THE COMPTROLLER AND TO THE CHAIRPERSON OF
THE  SENATE  FINANCE  COMMITTEE AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE ASSEMBLY WAYS
AND MEANS COMMITTEE A DETAILED REPORT  PURSUANT  TO  THE  PROVISIONS  OF

A. 5546                            10

SECTION  TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED OF THIS CHAPTER, AND A COPY OF SUCH REPORT
SHALL BE FILED WITH THE CLERK OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE AND THE CLERK OF
THE TOWN BOARD.
  S  2681-N.  DEFENSE  AND  INDEMNIFICATION.  1. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT
EXECUTE ANY OF ITS POWERS EXCEPT AS NECESSARY TO COMMENCE ITS  CORPORATE
EXISTENCE,  UNTIL  IT HAS ELECTED TO MAKE THE PROVISION OF SECTION EIGH-
TEEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW APPLICABLE TO  ITS  EMPLOYEES  (AS  SUCH
TERM IS DEFINED IN SECTION EIGHTEEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW) PURSUANT
TO  SUBDIVISION  TWO  OF  SUCH  SECTION; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NOTHING
CONTAINED WITHIN THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEEMED TO PERMIT THE AUTHORITY TO
EXTEND THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION EIGHTEEN OF  THE  PUBLIC  OFFICERS  LAW
UPON ANY INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.
  2.  NEITHER THE MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY, NOR THE COUNTY, THE TOWN, OR
ANY MUNICIPALITY, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE ACTING ON THE AUTHORITY'S  BEHALF,
WHILE  ACTING  WITHIN  THE  SCOPE OF HIS, HER OR ITS AUTHORITY, SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE CONSTRUCTION, MAIN-
TENANCE OR OPERATION OF ANY OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY  OR  FROM
CARRYING  OUT ANY OF THE POWERS EXPRESSLY GIVEN IN THIS TITLE; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, THAT THIS SHALL  NOT  BE  HELD  TO  APPLY  TO  ANY  INDEPENDENT
CONTRACTOR.
  S  2681-O.  ACTION BY OR AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1. EXCEPT IN AN ACTION
FOR WRONGFUL DEATH, NO ACTION OR SPECIAL PROCEEDING SHALL BE  PROSECUTED
OR  MAINTAINED AGAINST THE AUTHORITY, ITS MEMBERS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES
FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO REAL OR PERSONAL  PROPERTY  ALLEGED  TO
HAVE BEEN SUSTAINED BY REASON OF THE NEGLIGENCE, TORT OR WRONGFUL ACT OF
THE  AUTHORITY  OR  OF  ANY  MEMBER, OFFICER, AGENT OR EMPLOYEE THEREOF,
UNLESS (A) NOTICE OF CLAIM SHALL HAVE BEEN  MADE  AND  SERVED  UPON  THE
AUTHORITY  WITHIN  THE  TIME LIMIT SET BY AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION
FIFTY-E OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW, (B) IT SHALL APPEAR BY AND  AS  AN
ALLEGATION  IN  THE COMPLAINT OR MOVING PAPERS THAT AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS
HAVE ELAPSED SINCE THE SERVICE OF SUCH NOTICE  AND  THAT  ADJUSTMENT  OR
PAYMENT  THEREOF  HAS  BEEN  NEGLECTED OR REFUSED, AND (C) THE ACTION OR
SPECIAL PROCEEDING SHALL BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE YEAR  AND  NINETY  DAYS
AFTER  THE  HAPPENING  OF  THE  EVENT  UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. AN
ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOR WRONGFUL DEATH SHALL  BE  COMMENCED  IN
ACCORDANCE  WITH  THE  NOTICE OF CLAIM AND TIME LIMITATION PROVISIONS OF
TITLE ELEVEN OF ARTICLE NINE OF THIS CHAPTER.
  2. WHENEVER A NOTICE OF CLAIM IS SERVED UPON THE AUTHORITY,  IT  SHALL
HAVE  THE RIGHT TO DEMAND AN EXAMINATION OF THE CLAIMANT RELATIVE TO THE
OCCURRENCE AND EXTENT OF THE INJURIES OR  DAMAGES  FOR  WHICH  CLAIM  IS
MADE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION FIFTY-H OF THE GENER-
AL MUNICIPAL LAW.
  3.  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL HAVE POWER TO SETTLE OR ADJUST ALL CLAIMS IN
FAVOR OF OR AGAINST THE AUTHORITY.
  4. ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY OR  THE  PEOPLE  OF
THE STATE MAY BE PARTIES, IN WHICH ANY QUESTION ARISES AS TO THE VALIDI-
TY  OF  THIS  TITLE,  SHALL  BE PREFERRED OVER ALL OTHER CIVIL CAUSES OF
ACTION OR CASES, EXCEPT ELECTION CAUSES  OF  ACTION  OR  CASES,  IN  ALL
COURTS  OF  THE STATE AND SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN PREFERENCE TO
ALL OTHER CIVIL BUSINESS PENDING THEREIN EXCEPT ELECTION  CAUSES,  IRRE-
SPECTIVE  OF  POSITION  ON  THE  CALENDAR.  THE SAME PREFERENCE SHALL BE
GRANTED UPON APPLICATION OF THE AUTHORITY OR ITS COUNSEL IN  ANY  ACTION
OR  PROCEEDING  QUESTIONING  THE  VALIDITY  OF  THIS  TITLE IN WHICH THE
AUTHORITY MAY BE ALLOWED TO INTERVENE. THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH  ACTION  OR
PROCEEDING  SHALL BE LAID IN THE SUPREME COURT OF ANY OF THE PARTICIPAT-
ING COUNTIES.

A. 5546                            11

  5. THE RATE OF INTEREST TO BE PAID BY THE AUTHORITY UPON ANY  JUDGMENT
FOR  WHICH  IT  IS  LIABLE, SHALL BE THE RATE PRESCRIBED BY SECTION FIVE
THOUSAND FOUR OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES.
  6. ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY OF WHATEVER NATURE
SHALL BE BROUGHT IN A SUPREME COURT IN THE COUNTY OR THE COUNTY OF SARA-
TOGA.
  S  2681-P. TRACK, BRIDGE, SIGNAL, STATION AND OTHER FACILITY OPERATION
AND MAINTENANCE. THE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND USE OF  TRACK,  BRIDGES,
SIGNALS, FREIGHT STATIONS, PASSENGER STATIONS AND OTHER FACILITIES SHALL
BE  PUBLIC PURPOSES OF THE AUTHORITY, THE COUNTY AND THE TOWN. THE TOTAL
COST TO THE AUTHORITY OF OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND USE OF  EACH  TRACK,
BRIDGE,  SIGNAL,  FREIGHT  STATION, PASSENGER STATION AND OTHER FACILITY
WITHIN THE COUNTY OR THE COUNTY OF SARATOGA AND SERVICED BY ONE OR  MORE
RAILROAD  FACILITIES  OF  THE  AUTHORITY  OR CORPORATIONS, INCLUDING THE
BUILDINGS, APPURTENANCES, PLATFORMS, LANDS AND APPROACHES INCIDENTAL  OR
ADJACENT  THERETO,  SHALL BE BORNE BY THE AUTHORITY.  PROVIDED, THAT, NO
PROVISION OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEEMED TO PROHIBIT THE AUTHORITY FROM
DELEGATING OR ASSIGNING THE DUTIES ASSIGNED TO THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO
THIS SECTION AND THE COSTS THEREOF TO A THIRD PARTY OPERATOR  OR  COMMON
CARRIER  WHICH  IS  LICENSED, CLEARED OR OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED TO USE THE
TRACK, BRIDGE, SIGNAL, STATION AND/OR OTHER FACILITY OPERATED AND  MAIN-
TAINED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
  S  2681-Q. STATE, COUNTY, TOWN AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE FOR OBLI-
GATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. NEITHER THE STATE, THE  COUNTY,  THE  TOWN,
NOR  ANY MUNICIPALITY OR PUBLIC CORPORATION SHALL BE LIABLE ON ANY BOND,
NOTE OR OTHER OBLIGATION OF THE AUTHORITY,  AND  SUCH  BONDS,  NOTES  OR
OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL NOT BE DEBTS OF THE STATE, THE COUNTY, THE TOWN,
NOR  ANY  MUNICIPALITY  OR  PUBLIC CORPORATION, AND SUCH BONDS, NOTES OR
OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL CONTAIN A STATEMENT TO SUCH EFFECT.
  2. NOTHING IN THIS TITLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO OBLIGATE THE  STATE  IN
ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPERATIONS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHOR-
ITY.
  S 2681-R. EFFECT OF INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS. INSOFAR AS THE PROVISIONS
OF  THIS  TITLE  ARE  INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ANY OTHER ACT,
GENERAL OR SPECIAL, OR OF A COUNTY CHARTER, ANY LOCAL LAW, ORDINANCE  OR
RESOLUTION  OF  A  MUNICIPALITY,  THE  PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE SHALL BE
CONTROLLING. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE HELD TO  SUPPLE-
MENT OR OTHERWISE EXPAND THE POWERS OR DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY OTHERWISE
SET FORTH IN THIS TITLE.
  S 2. The second undesignated paragraph of paragraph (d) of subdivision
4 of section 14-k of the transportation law, as amended by chapter 75 of
the laws of 2000, is amended to read as follows:
  The  commissioner  shall  request the project sponsors to furnish such
information in writing as may be necessary. For  the  purposes  of  this
section, the Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Steuben southern tier
extension  railroad  authority  shall  be an authorized project sponsor.
FURTHERMORE, FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, THE  CORINTH  AND  WARREN
RAILROAD AUTHORITY SHALL BE AN AUTHORIZED PROJECT SPONSOR.
  S 3. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part
of  this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to
be invalid and after exhaustion of  all  further  judicial  review,  the
judgment  shall  not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof,
but shall be confined in its operation to the  clause,  sentence,  para-
graph,  section or part of this act directly involved in the controversy
in which the judgment shall have been rendered.
  S 4. This act shall take effect immediately.