Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE |
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Oct 01, 2010 | signed chap.533 |
Sep 20, 2010 | delivered to governor |
Jun 28, 2010 | returned to senate passed assembly ordered to third reading rules cal.382 substituted for a6694d referred to ways and means returned to assembly repassed senate |
Jun 24, 2010 | amended on third reading (t) 2813c |
Jun 24, 2010 | vote reconsidered - restored to third reading returned to senate recalled from assembly |
Mar 08, 2010 | referred to codes delivered to assembly passed senate |
Mar 04, 2010 | advanced to third reading |
Mar 03, 2010 | 2nd report cal. |
Mar 02, 2010 | 1st report cal.197 |
Feb 02, 2010 | reported and committed to finance |
Jan 27, 2010 | print number 2813b |
Jan 27, 2010 | amend and recommit to energy and telecommunications |
Jan 06, 2010 | referred to energy and telecommunications returned to senate died in assembly |
Jul 17, 2009 | referred to ways and means |
Jul 16, 2009 | delivered to assembly passed senate |
Jul 15, 2009 | ordered to third reading cal.847 committee discharged and committed to rules |
Jun 11, 2009 | print number 2813a |
Jun 11, 2009 | amend and recommit to finance |
Jun 04, 2009 | reported and committed to finance |
Mar 03, 2009 | referred to energy and telecommunications |
senate Bill S2813C
Signed By GovernorEstablishes the North Country power authority and provides for its powers and duties
Sponsored By
Darrel J. Aubertine
(D, IP) 0 Senate District
Archive: Last Bill Status - Signed by Governor
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor Calendar
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed by Governor
Your Voice
Actions
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Votes
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Jun 28, 2010 - floor Vote
S2813C601floor60Aye1Nay0Absent1Excused0Abstained-
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Floor Vote: Jun 28, 2010
aye (60)- Adams
- Addabbo
- Alesi
- Aubertine
- Bonacic
- Breslin
- DeFrancisco
- Diaz
- Dilan
- Duane
- Espada
- Farley
- Flanagan
- Foley
- Fuschillo
- Griffo
- Hannon
- Hassell-Thompson
- Huntley
- Johnson
- Johnson
- Klein
- Krueger
- Kruger
- Lanza
- Larkin
- LaValle
- Leibell
- Libous
- Little
- Marcellino
- Maziarz
- McDonald
- Montgomery
- Nozzolio
- Onorato
- Oppenheimer
- Padavan
- Parker
- Peralta
- Perkins
- Ranzenhofer
- Robach
- Saland
- Sampson
- Savino
- Schneiderman
- Serrano
- Seward
- Skelos
- Smith
- Squadron
- Stachowski
- Stavisky
- Stewart-Cousins
- Thompson
- Valesky
- Volker
- Winner
- Young
nay (1)excused (1)
Mar 8, 2010 - floor Vote
S2813B563floor56Aye3Nay0Absent2Excused0Abstained-
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Floor Vote: Mar 8, 2010
aye (56)- Adams
- Addabbo
- Alesi
- Aubertine
- Bonacic
- Breslin
- DeFrancisco
- Diaz
- Dilan
- Duane
- Espada
- Farley
- Flanagan
- Foley
- Griffo
- Hannon
- Hassell-Thompson
- Huntley
- Johnson
- Johnson
- Klein
- Krueger
- Kruger
- Lanza
- Larkin
- LaValle
- Leibell
- Libous
- Little
- Maziarz
- McDonald
- Montgomery
- Nozzolio
- Onorato
- Oppenheimer
- Padavan
- Parker
- Perkins
- Robach
- Saland
- Sampson
- Savino
- Schneiderman
- Serrano
- Seward
- Skelos
- Smith
- Squadron
- Stachowski
- Stavisky
- Stewart-Cousins
- Thompson
- Valesky
- Volker
- Winner
- Young
nay (3)
Mar 2, 2010 - Finance committee Vote
S2813B320committee32Aye0Nay0Aye with Reservations0Absent0Excused0Abstained-
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Committee Vote: Mar 2, 2010
Feb 2, 2010 - Energy and Telecommunications committee Vote
S2813B121committee12Aye1Nay0Aye with Reservations0Absent0Excused0AbstainedJul 16, 2009 - floor Vote
S2813A489floor48Aye9Nay0Absent5Excused0Abstained-
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Floor Vote: Jul 16, 2009
aye (48)- Adams
- Addabbo
- Aubertine
- Bonacic
- Breslin
- DeFrancisco
- Dilan
- Duane
- Espada
- Farley
- Flanagan
- Fuschillo
- Griffo
- Hannon
- Hassell-Thompson
- Huntley
- Klein
- Krueger
- Lanza
- LaValle
- Leibell
- Libous
- Little
- Maziarz
- McDonald
- Monserrate
- Montgomery
- Morahan
- Nozzolio
- Onorato
- Oppenheimer
- Padavan
- Parker
- Perkins
- Robach
- Saland
- Sampson
- Savino
- Schneiderman
- Serrano
- Skelos
- Smith
- Stachowski
- Stavisky
- Stewart-Cousins
- Thompson
- Valesky
- Young
nay (9)
Jul 15, 2009 - Rules committee Vote
S2813A210committee21Aye0Nay2Aye with Reservations0Absent1Excused0Abstained-
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Committee Vote: Jul 15, 2009
aye (21)excused (1)
Jun 4, 2009 - Energy and Telecommunications committee Vote
S2813120committee12Aye0Nay0Aye with Reservations0Absent1Excused0Abstained -
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Co-Sponsors
Joseph A. Griffo
(R, C) 53rd Senate District
Betty Little
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
S2813 - Details
- See Assembly Version of this Bill:
- A6694
- Law Section:
- Public Authorities Law
- Laws Affected:
- Add Art 5 Title 1-B §§1021 - 1021-s, amd §51, Pub Auth L
S2813 - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER:S2813 TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing the North Country power authority, and providing for its powers and duties PURPOSE OF BILL: To create a public benefit corporation, a political subdivision of the state, to provide electric power services to designated municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Establishes the North Country Power Authority to provide electric power services to designated municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Coun- ties, to be governed by a board of directors with overlapping terms, with enumerated powers to acquire, own, operate and finance facilities to provide electric power services, to issue bonds of up to 50 years and notes and other debt obligations of up to 5 years, which securities are to be general obligations of the authority without any state or munici- pal liability, permitting sale of surplus power and establishment of subsidiaries, subjecting the authority to conflict of interest prohibi- tions, deposit and investment controls, annual auditing and reporting to state and local officials and the public, and mandating periodic legis- lative reviews starting in 2050 and discretionary termination through statute after each such review subject to terms of the authority's secu-
rities, together with attendant provisions for implementing and conduct- ing its financing and operating responsibilities. JUSTIFICATION: Enabling legislation is essential to establish a public power utility to finance and operate a municipal electric system serving a group of 24 municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, all of which have endorsed the creation of the authority and the proposed legislation. These counties in the North Country constitute an area where economic growth has been lagging for years and one that faces very high rates for electric services to residential and commercial consumers. The affected municipalities are committed to securing lower electricity rates, great- er service reliability, local public control and future emphasis on energy conservation and sustainability through this new public power utility, built on a model common in this country. The public authority is necessary to provide financing, which would be stand-alone revenue bonding without any recourse to the state or the municipalities. The act is replete with good governance provisions, financial discipline meas- ures, transparency and reporting requirements, and accountability to the governor, the legislature, the municipalities and the public to be served. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: S.8257-A - 2008 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None. LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None. EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediate.
S2813 - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 2813 2009-2010 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E March 3, 2009 ___________ Introduced by Sen. AUBERTINE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommuni- cations AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing the North Country power authority, and providing for its powers and duties THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Article 5 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new title 1-B to read as follows: TITLE 1-B NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SECTION 1021. SHORT TITLE. 1021-A. DECLARATION OF LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. 1021-B. DEFINITIONS. 1021-C. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SERVICE AREA; EXTENSION OF SERVICE AREA. 1021-D. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY. 1021-E. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-F. DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-G. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. 1021-H. SALE OF SURPLUS POWER. 1021-I. SUBSIDIARIES. 1021-J. AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 1021-K. BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-L. STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE ON BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. 1021-M. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. 1021-N. EXEMPTION OF THE AUTHORITY FROM TAXATION. 1021-O. ACTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1021-P. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD07083-04-9
S. 2813 2 1021-Q. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION. 1021-R. POWER TO COMPEL ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES. 1021-S. PERIODIC REVIEW BY LEGISLATURE FOR CONTINUATION OR TERMINATION. 1021-T. SEVERABILITY. S 1021. SHORT TITLE. THIS TITLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE "NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ACT". S 1021-A. DECLARATION OF LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. THE LEGIS- LATURE HEREBY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE ELECTRIC POWER IS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE NORTH COUNTRY. TOWNS AND VILLAGES THROUGHOUT FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUN- TIES HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING LIMITED ECONOMIC EXPANSION FOR A CONSIDER- ABLE TIME. EXCESSIVE AND ESCALATING COSTS OF ELECTRICITY IN MANY OF THE MUNICIPALITIES IN SUCH COUNTIES POSE A SEVERE AND PROLONGED THREAT TO THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS AND TO SUSTAINING EXISTING COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS UNDERMINING THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPING NEW AND EXPANDED BUSINESSES AND MORE JOBS FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE'S NORTHERNMOST COUNTIES. THE COST OF POWER IS A MAJOR ONGOING EXPENSE TO BOTH HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES. THE COST TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS ANOTHER FACTOR, AT RISK TODAY AND FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, AS CLEAN ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION BECOME EVER MORE IMPORTANT TO MAINTAINING ACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL QUAL- ITY. THE SERVICE AREA COVERS A LARGE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, CREATING AN OPPOR- TUNITY FOR AFFORDING CAREFUL PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH IS INTEGRAL TO PUBLIC MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA'S CRITICAL POWER DELIVERY SYSTEM. SIMULTANEOUSLY, LOWER COST AND MORE RELIABLE TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY WOULD HELP CREATE ECONOMIC STIMULUS FOR THE AREA AND PROVIDE A WELCOME BENEFIT TO RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES. ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE ENERGY SYSTEMS ARE NECESSARY IN THE NORTH COUNTRY TO PROTECT AGAINST DEGRADATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE RESULT FROM THE GENERATION, DELIVERY AND CONSUMPTION OF ELEC- TRIC POWER. ELECTRICAL UTILITIES MUST ENDEAVOR DIRECTLY TO CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH THEIR INVESTMENT IN AND INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF GENERATION AND DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY. ELECTRICAL UTILI- TIES MUST ALSO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS CONSUMERS TO ENGAGE IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION. PROGRAMS TO BE CONSIDERED SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE FUEL RESOURCES SUCH AS SOLAR, WIND, HYDRO AND BIOFUEL ENERGY; GREEN TECHNOLOGY TO MINIMIZE ADVERSE IMPACTS ON LAND, WATER AND AIR; AND IMPROVED PROGRAMS IN THE AREAS OF EFFICIENCY, DISTRIBUTED GENERATION, NET METERING AND DEMAND RESPONSE. NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND RESOURCES IN THE POWER INDUSTRY MUST BE CONSIDERED FOR IMPLEMENTATION AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY BY ELECTRICITY ENTERPRISES AND CONSUMERS. A NUMBER OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN THE COUNTIES OF ST. LAWRENCE AND FRANKLIN NOW FACE A NEED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THEY HAVE ALSO EXPE- RIENCED HIGH RATES AND LOW RELIABILITY FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE. SUCH MUNI- CIPALITIES HAVE COME TOGETHER IN A WORKING ALLIANCE TO ADDRESS THEIR POWER SUPPLY CONCERNS AND TO FORMULATE POWER PLANS, BUT THAT ALLIANCE LACKS THE KINDS OF LEGAL AND FINANCIAL POWERS TO SUCCESSFULLY ACCOMPLISH THE OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL STEPS NECESSARY TO MOVE FORWARD THAT ONLY A PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY CAN ACHIEVE. ASSURING AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY IN A RELIABLE, EFFICIENT, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANNER IS HEREBY DETERMINED TO BE A MATTER OF STATE CONCERN WITHIN THE S. 2813 3 MEANING OF PARAGRAPH THREE OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION THREE OF ARTI- CLE NINE OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION. SUCH MATTERS OF STATE CONCERN CAN BEST BE DEALT WITH BY ESTABLISHING A SINGLE-PURPOSE AUTHORITY DEDICATED TO THE PROVISION OF ELECTRICITY, WITH LIMITED POWERS AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNANCE, TO SERVE DEFINED AREAS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. SUCH AUTHORITIES EXIST IN THE STATE AND NATION, AND CONSTITUTE A MUNICIPAL POWER INDUSTRY THAT IS WELL ESTABLISHED AND HIGHLY REGARDED. SUCH PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY WOULD, FIRST AND FOREMOST, FURTHER THE PUBLIC INTEREST EXCLUSIVELY, SERVING ITS CITIZENS, INCLUDING ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES, WITH THE FUNDA- MENTAL GOOD THAT ELECTRICITY CONSTITUTES THROUGH MANAGEMENT OF A PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. AMONG BENEFITS PROJECTED OVER THE LONG TERM WOULD BE LOWER ELECTRIC RATES, HIGHER INVESTMENT AND BETTER PERFORMANCE OF ALL COMPONENTS OF THE ELECTRICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM. MOREOVER, IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SUPPLANTING OF INVESTOR OWNED, PRIVATE, FOR-PROFIT UTILITY CORPORATIONS BY SUCH AN AUTHORITY WILL RESULT IN AN IMPROVED SYSTEM AND A SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT, RELIABLE AND ECONOMICAL SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC ENERGY. READILY AVAILABLE CLEAN AND LOWER COST ELECTRICITY WILL IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE SERVICE AREA. THE LEGISLATURE FURTHER FINDS THAT SUCH AN AUTHORITY WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE STEWARD OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN MEETING ITS POWER RESPONSIBILITIES, PLACING A PRIORITY ON THE SAFEKEEPING AND PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE, CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AS NEW TECHNOLOGIES EVOLVE AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES APPEAR. S 1021-B. DEFINITIONS. AS USED OR REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE, UNLESS A DIFFERENT MEANING CLEARLY APPEARS FROM THE CONTEXT: 1. "ACQUIRE" MEANS, WITH RESPECT TO ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN OR TO ANY PROPERTY, EITHER THE ACT OF TAKING BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN, OR THE ACQUISITION BY PURCHASE OR OTHERWISE. 2. "ACT" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ACT, BEING THIS TITLE. 3. "AUTHORITY" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED BY SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-D OF THIS TITLE. 4. "COMPTROLLER" MEANS THE STATE COMPTROLLER. 5. "DIRECTORS" MEAN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY. 6. "FEDERAL GOVERNMENT" MEANS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND ANY AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY, CORPORATE OR OTHERWISE, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 7. "FINAL DETERMINATION" OR "FINALLY DETERMINED" MEANS A JUDICIAL DECISION (A) BY THE HIGHEST COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, OR (B) BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FROM WHICH NO APPEAL HAS BEEN TAKEN AND THE TIME WITHIN WHICH TO APPEAL HAS EXPIRED. 8. "NCPA" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. 9. "MUNICIPALITY" MEANS ANY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN, VILLAGE, MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, SCHOOL DISTRICT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, INCLUDING ANY AGENCY, AUTHORITY OR PUBLIC CORPORATION OF THE STATE OR ANY OF THE FOREGOING, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF, OTHER THAN THE AUTHORITY. 10. "PROPERTY" MEANS THE POWER TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENER- ATION SYSTEM OR SYSTEMS OF THE AUTHORITY, WHETHER COMPLETED FACILITIES OR PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION, WHETHER SITUATED WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING THE PLANTS, WORKS, STRUCTURES, POLES, LINES, CONDUITS, MAINS, SYSTEMS, INSTRUMENTALITIES OR PARTS THEREOF AND APPURTENANCES THERETO, LANDS, FRANCHISES AND INTEREST IN LAND, INCLUDING LANDS UNDER WATER AND RIPARIAN RIGHTS, SPACE RIGHTS S. 2813 4 AND AIR RIGHTS, CONTRACT RIGHTS, SUBSTATIONS, TRANSMISSION FACILITIES, SUBTRANSMISSION FACILITIES, AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES, OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY INCIDENTAL TO AND INCLUDED IN SUCH SYSTEM OR PART THEREOF, AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS, EXTENSIONS OR BETTERMENTS. THE TERM "PROPERTY" SHALL ALSO INCLUDE ANY AND ALL INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY LESS THAN FULL TITLE, SUCH AS 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, AND ALSO ALL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES RELATED TO SUCH REAL ESTATE. 11. "REVENUES" MEANS ALL RATES, RENTS, FEES, CHARGES, PAYMENTS AND OTHER INCOME AND RECEIPTS DERIVED BY THE AUTHORITY FROM THE OPERATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY OTHER THAN THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALES OF ITS SECURITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INVESTMENT PROCEEDS AND PROCEEDS OF INSURANCE, CONDEMNATION, AND SALES OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF ASSETS, TOGETHER WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE OR MUNICIPAL AID. 12. "SECURITY" MEANS ANY BOND, NOTE OR OTHER OBLIGATION ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY. 13. "STATE" MEANS THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 14. "STATE AGENCY" MEANS ANY BOARD, AUTHORITY, AGENCY, DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, PUBLIC CORPORATION, BODY POLITIC OR INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE STATE. S 1021-C. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SERVICE AREA; EXTENSION OF SERVICE AREA. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE ALL THE TERRITORY LOCATED WITHIN SO MUCH OF THE COUNTY OF FRANKLIN AS CONSTITUTES THE TOWNS OF BOMBAY, FORT COVINGTON, MOIRA AND WESTVILLE: AND SO MUCH OF THE COUNTY OF ST. LAWRENCE AS CONSTITUTES THE TOWNS OF BRASHER, CANTON, COLTON, DEKALB, EDWARDS, FOWLER, GOUVERNEUR, HERMON, LISBON, LOUISVILLE, MADRID, NORFOLK, PIERREPONT, POTSDAM, RUSSELL, STOCKHOLM, AND WADDINGTON AND THE VILLAGES OF CANTON, NORWOOD, AND POTSDAM OR SUCH SUCH PORTIONS THEREOF AS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, BUT THE SERVICE AREA SHALL EXCLUDE THE PORTIONS OF SAID MUNI- CIPALITIES IN FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES WHICH ARE SERVED AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS TITLE BY ANOTHER EXISTING NON-PROFIT MUNICI- PAL ELECTRIC UTILITY. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE SUCH OTHER TERRITORIES, AS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, WHOLLY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, AND ADJACENT TO ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED MUNICIPALITIES, IN WHICH RATE PAYERS RELY ON UNINTERRUPTED ELECTRIC SERVICE FROM POWER FACILITIES OF THE AUTHORITY LOCATED WITHIN SAID MUNICIPALITIES. A MAP OF THE SERVICE AREA SHALL BE FILED IN THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY CLERKS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY MAY BE EXTENDED AT ANY TIME TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES BY THE DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE. WHENEVER THE DIRECTORS DETERMINE THAT THE TERRITORY INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA SHOULD BE EXTENDED, CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, THE DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT A RESOLUTION PROPOS- ING THE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY, WHOLLY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, TO BE INCLUDED, WHICH MAY BE ALL THE TERRITORY WITHIN ONE OR MORE NAMED MUNICIPALITIES OR, BY ADEQUATE DESCRIPTION, A PORTION OF ANY SUCH MUNICIPALITY OR MUNICIPALITIES. THE DIRECTORS SHALL FIX THE DATES, HOURS AND PLACES FOR THREE PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE SUCH DIRECTORS UPON THE QUESTION OF SUCH EXTENSION AND CAUSE NOTICE THEREOF AND OF THE ADDI- TIONAL TERRITORY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA TO BE PUBLISHED IN TWO NEWSPAPERS OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE COUNTY NOT LESS THAN S. 2813 5 TWENTY NOR MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS BEFORE SUCH DATE. AT LEAST ONE OF SUCH HEARING SHALL BE HELD WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL TERRITORY. AT SUCH TIME THE DIRECTORS SHALL HEAR ALL PERSONS, TAXPAYERS OR OFFICIALS WHO MAY WISH TO BE HEARD AND SHALL FINALLY DETERMINE THE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY, IF ANY, TO BE INCLUDED IN SUCH EXTENSION. SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL BE MADE BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS ADOPTED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF ALL DIRECTORS THEN IN OFFICE. A MAP OF THE SERVICE AREA, AS EXTENDED, SHALL THEREUPON BE FILED IN THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY CLERKS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. S 1021-D. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY. 1. A CORPORATION KNOWN AS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSES DECLARED IN SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-A OF THIS TITLE AND CHARGED WITH THE DUTIES AND HAVING THE POWERS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE A BODY CORPORATE AND POLITIC CONSTITUTING A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, EXER- CISING GOVERNMENTAL AND PUBLIC POWERS, PERPETUAL IN DURATION, CAPABLE OF SUING AND BEING SUED AND HAVING A SEAL, AND WHICH SHALL HAVE THE POWERS AND DUTIES ENUMERATED IN THIS TITLE, TOGETHER WITH SUCH OTHERS AS MAY BE CONFERRED UPON IT BY LAW. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTING OF NINE DIRECTORS, TO BE RESIDENTS OF THE SERVICE AREA, AND TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. SEVEN SUCH DIRECTORS SHALL BE APPOINTED UPON DESIGNATION OF THE SUPERVISORS AND MAYORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE FOLLOWING REGIONS, WITH THE DESIGNATIONS TO BE MADE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: THE VILLAGE OF POTSDAM WILL DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE VILLAGE OF CANTON AND THE TOWN OF CANTON WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF BOMBAY, BRASHER, FORT COVINGTON, MOIRA AND WESTVILLE WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF FOWLER AND GOUVERNEUR WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF LISBON, LOUISVILLE, MADRID, NORFOLK AND WADDINGTON WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF POTSDAM, STOCKHOLM, COLTON AND THE VILLAGE OF NORWOOD WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; AND THE TOWNS OF DEKALB, EDWARDS, HERMON, RUSSELL AND PIERREPONT WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR. EVERY DECADE THE DIRECTORS SHALL EXAMINE THE POPULATION OF THE SEVEN REGIONS, AND IF NEEDED, ADJUST THE MAKE-UP OR DEMARCATION OF THE REGIONS, FOR THE NECESSITY OR CONVENIENCE OF PERFORM- ING ITS FUNCTIONS AND ADMINISTERING ITS AFFAIRS AND TO MAINTAIN A REASONABLE EQUALITY OF POPULATION BETWEEN THE REGIONS. THE GOVERNOR SHALL SELECT ONE OF THE DIRECTORS TO SERVE AS CHAIR, AND SUCH CHAIR SHALL SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR. THE TERM OF OFFICE OF A DIRECTOR, INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR SERVING AS CHAIR, SHALL BE FIVE YEARS, BUT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE SUCH DIRECTORS SHALL BE APPOINTED TO HOLD OFFICE AS FOLLOWS: THREE FOR ONE YEAR; THREE FOR THREE YEARS; AND THREE FOR FIVE YEARS. UPON RESIGNATION OF A DIRECTOR, OR A VACANCY OCCURRING IN ANY OTHER MANNER, SUCH VACANCY SHALL BE FILLED BY APPOINTMENT FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM. IN OTHER RESPECTS, ALL VACANCIES SHALL BE FILLED IN THE MANNER CORRESPONDING TO THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL CONTINUE TO HOLD OFFICE AND SERVE UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED, QUALI- FIED AND ASSUMES OFFICE. 3. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A PER DIEM PAYMENT FOR EVERY DAY OF ACTUAL SERVICE TO THE NCPA, THE AMOUNT OF SAID PER DIEM TO BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, BUT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER ANNUM, ANNUALLY ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER S. 2813 6 PRICE INDEX. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL ALSO BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR ACTUAL AND REASONABLE DIRECT EXPENSES, AS MAY BE AUTHORIZED BY THE DIRECTORS, IN EACH CASE UPON APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION BY THE SUBMITTING DIRECTOR. NO DIRECTOR OR ANY ENTITY, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH IS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY ANY DIRECTOR, SHALL RECEIVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FROM NCPA OR BE EMPLOYED BY NCPA IN ANY OTHER CAPACITY BY WHATEVER MEANS. 4. FIVE DIRECTORS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS, AND THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF FIVE DIRECTORS AT A MEETING SHALL BE NECESSARY TO THE VALIDITY OF ANY RESOLUTION, ORDER OR DETERMINATION. THE DIRECTORS, IN BY-LAWS OR BY RESOLUTION, MAY ALLOW FOR ATTENDANCE AT A MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS BY SPEAKER PHONE OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS BY WHICH ALL MEETING PARTICIPANTS CAN HEAR ONE ANOTHER. 5. THE DIRECTORS SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF NOT LESS THAN THREE DIRECTORS AND SHALL DELEGATE SUCH DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AS IT MAY DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME, EXCEPT THAT THE DIRECTORS SHALL NOT DELEGATE TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THE POWER TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES. THE DIREC- TORS MAY APPOINT SUCH ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES WITH SUCH DUTIES AND RESPON- SIBILITIES AS THEY MAY DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME. 6. THE DIRECTORS SHALL FROM TIME TO TIME SELECT SUCH OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SUCH ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL OFFICERS, AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUD- ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACCOUNTING, PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION, FINANCE, APPRAISAL, BANKING AND TRUSTEE SERVICES, AS THE DIRECTORS MAY REQUIRE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES AND SHALL PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES AND COMPENSATION OF EACH SUCH OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE. 7. NEITHER THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION NOR ANY OTHER BOARD OR COMMISSION OF LIKE CHARACTER, SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION OVER THE AUTHORITY IN THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF ITS PROPERTIES OR OPERATIONS EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE WITH REGARD TO RATES AND SERVICES OR OTHERWISE. 8. THE AUTHORITY AND ITS CORPORATE EXISTENCE SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED BY LAW, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION NINE OF THIS SECTION AND SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-S OF THIS TITLE, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO SUCH LAW SHALL TAKE EFFECT SO LONG AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE SECURITIES OUTSTANDING, UNLESS ADEQUATE PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF. 9. IN THE EVENT THAT THE AUTHORITY DOES NOT COMMENCE EITHER ONE OR MORE OF TRANSMITTING, DELIVERING AND GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER WITHIN TEN YEARS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY SHALL CEASE TO EXIST AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE SHALL BE OF NO FURTHER FORCE AND EFFECT, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-M OF THIS TITLE AND THE TERMS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBT OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING. S 1021-E. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE POWERS CONFERRED BY THIS TITLE SHALL BE EXERCISED BY THE DIRECTORS, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THIS TITLE. IN THE EXERCISE OF THOSE POWERS, EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH ITS OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, THE DIRECTORS MAY DO THE FOLLOWING THINGS, AMONG OTHERS, AND THE FOLLOWING LIST OF POWERS SHALL NOT BE DEEMED COMPLETE OR EXCLUSIVE, OR TO DENY THE EXISTENCE OF OTHER POWERS, WHETHER SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT, SO LONG AS THEY ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE PURPOSES DECLARED AND INDICATED IN THIS TITLE: 1. TO MAKE AND ALTER BY-LAWS FOR THE REGULATION OF ITS AFFAIRS AND CONDUCT OF ITS ACTIVITIES, TO SCHEDULE ANNUAL, REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEET- INGS OF THE DIRECTORS, AS THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF THE AUTHORITY MAY WARRANT, AND TO ADOPT AND AMEND AN OFFICIAL SEAL; S. 2813 7 2. TO DEVELOP, ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, RECONSTRUCT, REHABILITATE AND IMPROVE FACILITIES FOR THE TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION OR GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER OR ANY CONNECTED SERVICE; 3. TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION, TYPE, SIZE, CONSTRUCTION, LEASE, PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, ACQUISITION, USE AND OPERATION OF ANY FACILITIES OR OTHER STRUCTURE OR PROPERTY, WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE SERVICE AREA; 4. TO INVESTIGATE, IMPLEMENT AND INTEGRATE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PRACTICABLE AND ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE, SUCH RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT INTENDED TO REDUCE POWER DEMAND AND USAGE, UTILIZE GREEN TECHNOLOGIES, ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE FUELS, DISTRIBUTED GENERATION, NET METERING AND DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAMS, ALL AS INTEGRAL ELEMENTS IN ITS INVESTMENTS IN NEW PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENERATION OF POWER, AND IN ITS MARKETING AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY TO CONSUMERS; 5. TO ACQUIRE ON BEHALF OF AND IN THE NAME OF THE AUTHORITY, WHETHER BY AGREEMENT WITH AND PURCHASE FROM THE OWNER OR OWNERS, OR BY ARBI- TRATION, OR WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA BY EMINENT DOMAIN, PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN THE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURE LAW, OR BY LEASE, THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF ANY EXISTING FACILITIES OR OF ANY OTHER PROPER- TY TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH POWER TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION OR GENERATION BY THE AUTHORITY AS SET OUT IN THIS TITLE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY OF A MUNICIPALITY OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE UNLESS SUCH MUNICIPALITY OR POLI- TICAL SUBDIVISION SHALL CONSENT THERETO; AND IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OF SUCH PROPERTIES THE AUTHORITY MAY ASSUME ANY OBLIGATIONS OF THE OWNER OF SUCH PROPERTIES AND, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF ANY INDENTURES OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS UNDER WHICH SUCH OBLIGATIONS WERE ISSUED, THE AUTHORITY MAY ASSUME AND AGREE TO PERFORM COVENANTS AND OBSERVE RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED IN SUCH INSTRUMENTS; AND FURTHERMORE THE OWNER OF ANY PROPERTIES, WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO ACQUIRE, IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE SAME TO THE AUTHORITY. IN THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN, AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUBDIVISION, THE PROPERTY BEING ACQUIRED SHALL BE DEEMED, WHEN SO DETERMINED BY THE AUTHORITY, TO BE FOR A PUBLIC USE; 6. TO TRANSMIT, DISTRIBUTE AND GENERATE ELECTRIC POWER AND ANY CONNECTED SERVICES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA, TO FIX RATES AND CHARGES FOR THE FURNISHING OR RENDITION OF ELECTRIC POWER OR OF ANY CONNECTED SERVICE, AND TO COLLECT REVENUES; 7. TO MAINTAIN, OPERATE AND MANAGE, AND CONTRACT FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY; 8. TO APPLY TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS OF THE FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUCH LICENSES, PERMITS OR APPROVALS FOR ITS PLANS AND PROJECTS AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY OR ADVISABLE, AND UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS IT MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE TO ACCEPT, IN ITS DISCRETION, SUCH LICENSES, PERMITS OR APPROVALS AS MAY BE TENDERED TO IT BY SUCH AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS; 9. TO ENTER UPON SUCH LANDS, WATERS OR PREMISES AS IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING SURVEYS, SOUNDINGS, BORINGS AND EXAMINATIONS TO ACCOMPLISH ANY PURPOSE AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY BEING LIABLE ONLY FOR ACTUAL DAMAGES DONE; 10. TO ENTER INTO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER AUTHORITIES, MUNI- CIPALITIES, UTILITY COMPANIES, INDIVIDUALS, FIRMS OR CORPORATIONS, AND THE DOMINION OF CANADA AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, FOR THE INTERCON- NECTION OF FACILITIES AND THE EXCHANGE OR INTERCHANGE OF ELECTRIC POWER OR CONNECTED SERVICES, UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SHALL BE DETER- MINED TO BE REASONABLE; S. 2813 8 11. TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS, BORROW MONEY, ISSUE BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS AS PROVIDED IN SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-K OF THIS TITLE, AND SELL THE SAME IN SUCH AMOUNTS AND AT SUCH PRICES, INTEREST RATES AND OTHER FINANCIAL TERMS AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS; 12. TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE POWER FROM THE POWER AUTHORI- TY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, THE STATE, ANY STATE AGENCY, ANY MUNICI- PALITY, ANY PRIVATE ENTITY OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE SOURCE AT SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS MAY BE NEGOTIATED, INCLUDING THE POWER TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT OR ANY NEGOTIATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF POWER FROM THE DOMINION OF CANADA, OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION, PUBLIC AUTHORITY OR PRIVATE CORPORATION THEREIN; 13. TO MAKE ANY PLANS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATIONS WHICH IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE TO ENABLE IT EFFECTUALLY TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; 14. WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE FIRST SALE OF ELECTRIC POWER OR ANY CONNECTED SERVICE, TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS GRANTING TO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS THE PROTECTIONS AFFORDED BY ARTICLE TWO OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW AND SECTION ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE-S OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW; 15. TO ASSUME SUCH RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ALLIANCE FOR MUNICIPAL POWER, A JOINT STUDY COMMISSION ESTABLISHED BY INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE TWENTY-FOUR TOWNS AND VILLAGES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA OF THE AUTHORITY, WHICH FURTHER THE NCPA PURPOSES AND POWERS AS DETERMINED BY THE NCPA DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; AND 16. TO DO WHATEVER MAY BE NECESSARY TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE, AND IN GENERAL TO HAVE AND EXERCISE ALL OTHER POWERS NECES- SARY OR INCIDENTAL TO THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-F. DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. ALL MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY, FROM WHATEVER SOURCE DERIVED, EXCEPT AS OTHER- WISE AUTHORIZED OR PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE, SHALL UPON RECEIPT BE DEPOS- ITED FORTHWITH IN A BANK OR BANKS DESIGNATED BY THE DIRECTORS, TO BE SELECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH STANDARDS AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL SET FORTH IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY, WHICH STANDARDS SHALL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CREDITWORTHINESS AND CAPITAL POSI- TION OF THE DEPOSITARY BANK OR BANKS. THE MONEYS IN SUCH ACCOUNTS MAY BE INVESTED IN OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE OR THE UNITED STATES, OR GUARANTEED BY EITHER IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRACTICES THAT THE DIRECTORS SHALL SET FORTH IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE MONEYS IN SUCH ACCOUNTS SHALL BE WITHDRAWN ON THE ORDER OF SUCH PERSON OR PERSONS AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL AUTHORIZE IN THE BY-LAWS OF THE AUTHORITY AND SHALL BE APPLIED TO THE USE OF THE AUTHORITY AS THE DIREC- TORS SHALL AUTHORIZE IN THE BY-LAWS OF THE AUTHORITY. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER TO CONTRACT WITH HOLDERS OF ANY OF ITS BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, OR ANY TRUSTEE THEREFOR, AS TO THE CUSTODY, COLLECTION, SECURING, INVESTMENT AND PAYMENT OF ANY MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY AND OF ANY MONEYS HELD IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, AND TO CARRY OUT ANY SUCH CONTRACT. MONEYS HELD IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR IN ANY WAY TO SECURE BONDS OR NOTES OR OBLIGATIONS AND DEPOSITS OF SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE SECURED IN FULL IN DIRECT OBLIGATIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THE PAYMENT OF WHICH IS GUARANTEED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SUCH INVESTMENTS SHALL BE HELD ON DEPOSIT ONLY IN BANKS HAVING A MINIMUM CREDIT RATING AND A MINIMUM ACCUMULATED CAPITAL, AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL SPECIFY IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY. S. 2813 9 3. SUBJECT TO AGREEMENTS WITH NOTEHOLDERS AND BONDHOLDERS OR ANY TRUS- TEE THEREFOR, THE AUTHORITY SHALL PRESCRIBE A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES. 4. THE DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT INVESTMENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS TO IMPLEMENT THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, WHICH GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS SHALL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY BY THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO STATE AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND TO THE PUBLIC. S 1021-G. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT AS A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE OF THIS CHAPTER. IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH SECTION: 1. IF ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE AN INTEREST, EITHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS OR IS TO BE A PARTY, SUCH INTEREST SHALL BE DISCLOSED TO THE AUTHORITY IN WRITING AND SHALL BE SET FORTH IN THE MINUTES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE HAVING SUCH INTEREST SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTION BY THE AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CONTRACT. 2. NO DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE SUCH AN INTEREST SOLELY BY REASON OF THE OWNERSHIP OF TWO PERCENT OR LESS OF THE SECURITIES OF A CORPORATION WHICH IS OR IS TO BE A PARTY TO A CONTRACT WITH THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE HOLDING COMPANY OF ANY BANKING INSTITUTION IN WHICH THE FUNDS OF THE AUTHORITY ARE, OR ARE TO BE DEPOSITED, OR WHICH IS OR IS TO BE ACTING AS TRUSTEE OR PAYING AGENT UNDER ANY BOND OR NOTE RESOLUTION, TRUST INDEN- TURE OR SIMILAR INSTRUMENT TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS A PARTY. 3. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEEMED OR CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE RIGHT OF ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE AN INTEREST IN THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY. S 1021-H. SALE OF SURPLUS POWER. WHENEVER ANY ELECTRIC POWER WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY ACQUIRE OR GENERATE CREATES A SURPLUS OVER THE AMOUNT OF ELECTRIC POWER REQUIRED BY THE RESIDENTS OF THE SERVICE AREA, THE AUTHORITY MAY SELL SUCH SURPLUS IN TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE SERVICE AREA TO PERSONS, OR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS. IN ACQUIRING ANY FACILITY OR PROPERTY WHICH ALSO SERVES ANY MUNICIPALITY OR TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE SERVICE AREA, THE AUTHORITY, IF IT DEEMS IT ADVANTAGEOUS AND ECONOMICAL SO TO DO, MAY, WITH THE CONSENT OF THE DIRECTORS, SERVE ANY SUCH MUNICI- PALITY OR TERRITORY OR SELL ELECTRIC POWER TO PERSONS, OR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS IN SUCH TERRITORY OR TO SUCH MUNICIPALITY. S 1021-I. SUBSIDIARIES. 1. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE AND PERFORM ALL OR PART OF ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS THROUGH ONE OR MORE WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES BY ACQUIRING THE VOTING SHARES THEREOF OR BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS DIRECTING ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, OFFI- CERS OR EMPLOYEES TO ORGANIZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION PURSUANT TO THE BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW, THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION LAW OR THE TRANSPORTATION CORPORATIONS LAW. SUCH RESOLUTION SHALL PRESCRIBE THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH ANY SUCH SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION IS TO BE FORMED. 2. THE AUTHORITY MAY TRANSFER TO ANY SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION ANY MONEYS, PROPERTY (REAL, PERSONAL OR MIXED) OR FACILITIES IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE. EACH SUCH SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL HAVE ALL THE PRIVILEGES, IMMUNITIES, TAX EXEMPTIONS AND OTHER EXEMPTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY TO THE EXTENT THE SAME ARE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE STATUTE OR STATUTES PURSUANT TO WHICH SUCH SUBSIDIARY WAS INCORPORATED. EACH SUCH SUBSIDIARY SHALL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW AND THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT TO THE SAME EXTENT AS THEY APPLY TO THE NCPA. S. 2813 10 3. ANY SUCH SUBSIDIARIES OF NCPA SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REPORT- ING, AUDITING AND REVIEW REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO NCPA PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-J. AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 1. 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 SELECTED BY THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICI- PALITIES SERVED BY THE NCPA AND TO THE PUBLIC. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL SUBMIT A DETAILED ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO AND AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED OF THIS CHAPTER, AND A COPY OF SUCH REPORT SHALL BE FILED WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVES OF THE COUNTIES OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE, AND WITH THE MAYORS AND SUPERVISORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICIPALITIES SERVED BY THE NCPA AND TO THE PUBLIC. S 1021-K. BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER AND IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED FROM TIME TO TIME TO ISSUE ITS BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANC- ING ANY CAPITAL PROJECT AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ACQUISITION OF ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY OR FACILI- TIES DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE AUTHORITY, DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES, AND FUNDING ANY CAPITAL OR OTHER RESERVE FUNDS ESTABLISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE AUTHORITY'S OPERATIONS OR ISSUANCES, IN SUCH PRINCI- PAL AMOUNT AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL DETERMINE NECESSARY TO PERFORM ITS CORPORATE DUTIES AND FURTHER ITS PURPOSES AS AUTHORIZED IN THIS TITLE. THE MAXIMUM MATURITY OF ANY SUCH BOND SHALL NOT EXCEED FIFTY YEARS FROM ITS DATE OF ISSUANCE. THE MAXIMUM MATURITY OF ANY SUCH NOTE OR OBLI- GATION SHALL NOT EXCEED FIVE YEARS FROM ITS DATE OF ISSUANCE. 2. EXCEPT AS MAY BE OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORITY, THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF EVERY ISSUE SHALL BE GENERAL OBLI- GATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY PAYABLE OUT OF ANY MONEYS OR REVENUES OF THE AUTHORITY, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOLDERS OF PARTICULAR BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS PLEDGING ANY PARTICULAR MONEYS OR REVENUES. 3. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER FROM TIME TO TIME, WHENEVER IT DEEMS REFUNDING EXPEDIENT, TO REFUND ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS BY THE ISSUANCE OF NEW BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, WHETHER THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO BE REFUNDED HAVE OR HAVE NOT MATURED, AND MAY ISSUE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS PARTLY TO REFUND BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING AND PARTLY FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION. REFUNDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS TO BE REFUNDED, WITH SUCH CASH ADJUSTMENTS AS MAY BE AGREED, OR MAY BE SOLD WITH THE PROCEEDS APPLIED TO THE PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF THE BONDS TO BE REFUNDED. 4. BONDS MAY BE ISSUED EITHER IN A SERIES WITH MULTIPLE DISCRETE MATU- RITY DATES OR AS TERM BONDS WITH A SINGLE MATURITY DATE. THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BEAR SUCH DATE OR DATES, MATURE AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES, BEAR INTEREST AT SUCH RATE OR RATES, PAYABLE ANNUALLY OR SEMI-AN- NUALLY, BE IN SUCH DENOMINATIONS, BE IN SUCH FORM, CARRY SUCH REGISTRA- TION PRIVILEGES, BE EXECUTED IN SUCH MANNER, BE PAYABLE IN LAWFUL MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT SUCH PLACE OR PLACES, AND BE SUBJECT TO SUCH TERMS OF REDEMPTION, AS SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS MAY PROVIDE. IN THE EVENT THAT TERM BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ARE ISSUED, THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAME MAY MAKE SUCH PROVISIONS FOR S. 2813 11 THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ADEQUATE SINKING FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF, AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DEEM NECESSARY. 5. THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY MAY BE SOLD AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE FOR SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL DETERMINE. FOR A PRIVATE SALE OF ITS SECURITIES, THE AUTHORITY SHALL OBTAIN THE WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE TERMS OF SUCH SALE FROM THE COMPTROLLER IF SUCH SALE IS TO A PARTY OTHER THAN THE COMPTROLLER, OR FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET WHERE SUCH SALE IS TO THE COMPTROLLER, IN EITHER CASE PRIOR TO CLOSING THE ISSUANCE TRANSACTION. 6. ANY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ANY ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS MAY CONTAIN PROVISIONS, WHICH SHALL BE A PART OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND THE HOLDERS OF THE ISSUED SECURITIES, AS TO: (A) PLEDGING ALL OR ANY PART OF THE REVENUES OF THE AUTHORITY OR ITS PROJECTS OR ANY REVENUE PRODUCING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITY WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL, PARTNERSHIP, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY; (B) PLEDGING, ASSIGNING OR CREATING A LIEN ON ALL OR ANY PART OF ASSETS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING MORTGAGES AND OBLIGATIONS SECURITY MORTGAGES, TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREE- MENTS WITH HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY; (C) THE SETTING ASIDE OF RESERVES OR SINKING FUNDS, AND THE REGULATION AND DISPOSITION THEREOF; (D) ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL FUNDS FOR DEPOSIT OF MONEYS RECEIVED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL DETER- MINE, CONSISTENT WITH THE AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; (E) LIMITATIONS ON THE PURPOSE TO WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF SALE OF ANY ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS THEN OR THEREAFTER TO BE ISSUED MAY BE APPLIED AND PLEDGING SUCH PROCEEDS TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; (F) LIMITATIONS OF THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; THE TERMS UPON WHICH ADDITIONAL BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS MAY BE ISSUED AND SECURED; AND THE REFUNDING OF OUTSTANDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; (G) THE PROCEDURE, IF ANY, BY WHICH THE TERMS OF ANY CONTRACT WITH BONDHOLDERS MAY BE AMENDED OR ABROGATED, THE AMOUNT OF BONDS THE HOLDERS OF WHICH MUST CONSENT THERETO, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH CONSENT MAY BE GIVEN; (H) PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND POWERS OF A TRUSTEE FOR HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, AND THE RIGHTS, POWERS AND DUTIES OF SUCH TRUSTEE AS THE DIRECTORS MAY DETERMINE; (I) LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF MONEYS DERIVED FROM A PROJECT TO BE EXPENDED FOR OPERATING, ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER EXPENSES OF THE AUTHORI- TY; (J) DEFINING THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS TO ACT WHICH SHALL CONSTITUTE A DEFAULT IN THE DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY TO HOLDERS OF ITS OBLIGATIONS AND PROVIDING THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF SUCH HOLDERS IN THE EVENT OF A DEFAULT; AND (K) ANY OTHER PROVISIONS NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THOSE ENUMERATED IN THIS SUBDIVISION AND NECESSARY TO EFFECT ITS ISSUANCES OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF ITS SECURITIES, OR OTHERWISE IN FURTHERANCE OF ITS CORPORATE PURPOSES. S. 2813 12 7. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS TITLE, ANY SUCH RESOL- UTION OR RESOLUTIONS SHALL CONTAIN A COVENANT BY THE AUTHORITY THAT IT WILL AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN RATES, FEES OR CHARGES SUFFICIENT TO PAY, AND THAT ANY CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE AUTHORITY FOR THE SALE, TRANS- MISSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF POWER SHALL CONTAIN RATES, FEES OR CHARGES SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE COSTS OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROJECT, THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON ANY OBLIGATIONS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SUCH RESOLUTION AS THE SAME SEVERALLY BECOME DUE AND PAYABLE, AND TO MAINTAIN ANY DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIOS AND ANY RESERVES REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS. 8. IT IS THE INTENT OF THIS TITLE THAT ANY PLEDGE OF REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR OF A REVENUE PRODUCING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING FROM THE TIME WHEN THE PLEDGE IS MADE; THAT THE REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR PROCEEDS OF ANY CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS SO PLEDGED AND THEREAFTER RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL IMMEDIATELY BE SUBJECT TO THE LIEN OF SUCH PLEDGE WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL DELIVERY THEREOF OR FURTHER ACT; AND THAT THE LIEN OF ANY SUCH PLEDGE SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING AS AGAINST ALL PARTIES HAVING CLAIMS OF ANY KIND IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE AGAINST THE AUTHORITY IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER SUCH PARTIES HAVE NOTICE THEREOF. NEITHER THE RESOLUTION NOR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT BY WHICH A PLEDGE IS CREATED NEED BE RECORDED. 9. NEITHER THE DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY NOR ANY PERSON EXECUTING THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE LIABLE PERSONALLY ON THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR BE SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL LIABIL- ITY OR ACCOUNTABILITY BY REASON OF THE ISSUANCE THEREOF. 10. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER OUT OF ANY FUNDS AVAILABLE THEREFOR TO PURCHASE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. THE AUTHORITY MAY HOLD, PLEDGE, CANCEL OR RESELL SUCH BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS, SUBJECT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH AGREEMENTS WITH BONDHOLDERS. 11. ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY ARE HEREBY MADE SECURITIES IN WHICH ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS AND BODIES OF THIS STATE AND ALL MUNICIPALITIES AND MUNICIPAL SUBDIVISIONS, ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER PERSONS CARRYING ON AN INSURANCE BUSINESS, ALL BANKS, BANKERS, TRUST COMPANIES, SAVINGS BANKS AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS, INCLUDING SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND OTHER PERSONS CARRYING ON A BANK- ING BUSINESS, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHATSOEVER WHO ARE AUTHORIZED TO INVEST IN BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE, MAY PROPERLY AND LEGALLY INVEST FUNDS INCLUDING CAPITAL IN THEIR CONTROL OR BELONGING TO THEM; SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ANY OTHER GENERAL OR SPECIAL LAW TO THE CONTRARY. 12. THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO OBTAIN FROM ANY DEPARTMENT OR AGEN- CY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE STATE OR ANY NONGOVERNMENTAL INSURER OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ANY INSURANCE, GUARANTY OR OTHER CREDIT SUPPORT DEVICE, TO THE EXTENT AVAILABLE, AS TO, OR FOR THE PAYMENT OR REPAYMENT OF INTEREST OR PRINCIPAL, OR BOTH, OR ANY PART THEREOF, ON ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY AND TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH INSURANCE OR GUARANTY, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SAME WOULD IN ANY WAY IMPAIR OR INTERFERE WITH THE ABILITY OF THE AUTHORITY TO PERFORM AND FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENT MADE WITH THE HOLDERS OF OUTSTANDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 13. IN ADDITION TO THE POWERS CONFERRED IN THIS SECTION UPON THE AUTHORITY TO SECURE ITS BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO ENTER INTO SUCH AGREEMENTS AS THE AUTHORITY MAY S. 2813 13 DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE CONCERNING THE USE OR DISPOSI- TION OF ITS REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR PROPERTY, AND FOR THE ACQUISI- TION, ALTERATION OR DISPOSITION OF ITS PROPERTY, REAL AND PERSONAL, INCLUDING THE MORTGAGING OF ANY OF ITS PROPERTIES AND THE ENTRUSTING, PLEDGING OR CREATION OF ANY OTHER SECURITY INTEREST IN ANY SUCH REVEN- UES, MONEYS OR PROPERTIES AND THE DOING OF ANY ACT, INCLUDING REFRAINING FROM DOING ANY ACT, WHICH THE AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH AGREEMENTS. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO ENTER INTO AMENDMENTS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENTS WITHIN THE POWERS GRANTED TO THE AUTHORITY BY THIS TITLE AND TO PERFORM SUCH AGREEMENTS. THE PROVISIONS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENTS MAY BE MADE A PART OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE HOLDERS OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 14. ALL BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE ARE HEREBY DECLARED TO HAVE ALL THE QUALITIES AND INCIDENTS OF NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE STATE. S 1021-L. STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE ON BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT BE A DEBT OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, AND NEITHER THE STATE NOR ANY MUNI- CIPALITY SHALL BE LIABLE THEREON. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT HAVE THE POWER TO PLEDGE THE CREDIT, THE REVENUES OR THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, AND NEITHER THE CREDIT, THE REVENUES NOR THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY SHALL BE OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE PLEDGED TO THE PAYMENT OF ANY SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY. EACH EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY, SHALL CONTAIN A CLEAR AND EXPLICIT STATEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. S 1021-M. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. THE STATE DOES HEREBY PLEDGE TO AND AGREE WITH THE HOLDERS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THIS TITLE, THAT THE STATE WILL NOT LIMIT OR ALTER THE RIGHTS HEREBY VESTED IN THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH AND COLLECT THE REVENUES AND OTHER CHARGES REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE AND TO FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENTS MADE WITH OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES, OR IN ANY WAY IMPAIR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE BONDHOLDERS UNTIL SUCH SECURITIES ARE FULLY MET AND DISCHARGED. THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO INCLUDE THIS PLEDGE OF THE STATE IN ALL AGREEMENTS BY THE AUTHORITY WITH THE HOLDERS OF ITS SECURITIES. S 1021-N. EXEMPTION OF THE AUTHORITY FROM TAXATION. 1. IT IS HEREBY FOUND AND DECLARED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE AUTHORITY IS PRIMARILY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITIES, COUNTIES AND THE STATE, FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR HEALTH, WELFARE AND PROSPER- ITY, AND IS A PUBLIC PURPOSE, AND THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE REGARDED AS PERFORMING AN ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION IN CARRYING OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. 2. THE PROPERTY OF THE AUTHORITY, AND ITS INCOME AND OPERATIONS SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM TAXATION OR ASSESSMENTS OF EVERY KIND AND NATURE; NOR SHALL THE AUTHORITY BE REQUIRED TO PAY ANY FILING OR RECORDING FEE OR TRANSFER TAX OF ANY KIND ON ACCOUNT OF INSTRUMENTS FILED OR RECORDED BY IT OR ON ITS BEHALF, PROVIDED THAT NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PREVENT THE AUTHORITY FROM ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS TO MAKE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES WITH THE GOVERNING BODIES OF MUNICIPALITIES OR OTHER LOCAL GOVERN- MENT TAXING ENTITIES. MORTGAGES MADE OR FINANCED (DIRECTLY OR INDIRECT- LY) BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE MORTGAGE RECORDING TAXES IMPOSED BY ARTICLE ELEVEN OF THE TAX LAW. S. 2813 14 3. THE SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY, THEIR TRANSFER AND THE INCOME THEREFROM SHALL, AT ALL TIMES, BE FREE FROM TAXATION BY THE STATE OR ANY MUNICIPALITY, EXCEPT FOR ESTATE AND GIFT TAXES. S 1021-O. ACTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1. ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY BE A PARTY IN WHICH ANY QUESTION ARISES AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THIS TITLE OR THE VALUATION OF STOCK OR ASSETS ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN SHALL BE PREFERRED OVER ALL OTHER CIVIL CAUSES IN ALL COURTS OF THE STATE, EXCEPT ELECTION MATTERS, AND SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN PREFERENCE TO ALL OTHER CIVIL BUSINESS PENDING THEREIN, EXCEPT ELECTION MATTERS, IRRESPECTIVE OF POSITION ON THE CALENDAR. THE SAME PREFERENCE SHALL BE GRANTED UPON APPLICATION OF COUNSEL TO THE AUTHORITY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING QUESTIONING THE VALIDITY OF THIS TITLE OR THE VALU- ATION OF STOCK OR ASSETS ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN IN WHICH SUCH COUNSEL MAY BE ALLOWED TO INTERVENE. THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE LAID IN THE SUPREME COURT FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE AUTHORITY IS LOCATED. 2. IN THE EVENT ANY PARTY SHALL APPEAL AN AWARD OF COMPENSATION FOR THE TAKING BY THE AUTHORITY OF STOCK OR ASSETS, SUCH PARTY SHALL POST A BOND IN SUCH AMOUNT, IF ANY, AS THE SUPREME COURT SHALL DEEM APPROPRIATE TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE OTHER PARTY UNDER ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES. 3. AN ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOUNDED ON TORT SHALL NOT BE COMMENCED MORE THAN ONE YEAR AND NINETY DAYS AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION THEREFOR SHALL HAVE ACCRUED, NOR UNLESS A NOTICE OF CLAIM SHALL HAVE BEEN SERVED ON THE AUTHORITY WITHIN THE TIME LIMITED BY, AND IN COMPLI- ANCE WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION FIFTY-E OF THE GENERAL MUNICI- PAL LAW, EXCEPT THAT AN ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOR WRONGFUL DEATH SHALL BE COMMENCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NOTICE OF CLAIM AND TIME LIMI- TATION PROVISIONS OF TITLE ELEVEN OF ARTICLE NINE OF THIS CHAPTER. S 1021-P. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. ALL CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE OF WHATEVER NATURE AND ALL DOCU- MENTS SOLICITING BIDS OR PROPOSALS THEREFOR SHALL CONTAIN OR MAKE REFER- ENCE TO THE FOLLOWING PROVISION: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST EMPLOYEES OR APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF RACE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY OR MARITAL STATUS, AND WILL UNDERTAKE OR CONTINUE EXISTING PROGRAMS OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE THAT MINORITY GROUP PERSONS AND WOMEN ARE AFFORDED EQUAL OPPORTUNITY WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION. SUCH PROGRAMS SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYMENT, JOB ASSIGNMENT, PROMOTION, UPGRADING, DEMOTION, TRANSFER, LAYOFF, TERMI- NATION, RATES OF PAY OR OTHER FORMS OF COMPENSATION, AND SELECTION FOR TRAINING AND RETRAINING, INCLUDING APPRENTICESHIP AND ON-THE-JOB TRAIN- ING. S 1021-Q. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION. 1. THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY, WHILE ACTING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THEIR AUTHORITY AS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES, SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL OR CIVIL LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE EXERCISE, CARRYING OUT OR ADVOCACY OF ANY OF THE AUTHORITY'S PURPOSES OR POWER UNLESS THE CONDUCT OF THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES IS FINALLY DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO CONSTITUTE INTEN- TIONAL WRONGDOING OR RECKLESSNESS. 2. THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION EIGHTEEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW SHALL APPLY TO DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, SUITS, ACTIONS OR S. 2813 15 PROCEEDINGS WHICH MAY BE MADE OR BROUGHT AGAINST ANY OF THEM ARISING OUT OF ANY DETERMINATIONS MADE OR ACTIONS TAKEN OR OMITTED TO BE TAKEN IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY ACTIONS TAKEN PURSUANT TO THE POWERS OF THIS TITLE. 3. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, THE TERMS "DIRECTOR", "OFFICER" AND "EMPLOYEE" SHALL INCLUDE A FORMER DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE AND HIS OR HER ESTATE OR JUDICIALLY APPOINTED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. S 1021-R. POWER TO COMPEL ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES. FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXERCISING ITS POWERS AND PERFORMING ITS DUTIES PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE AND OF SECURING SUCH INFORMATION AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES AND THE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS. THE POWER HEREBY CONFERRED UPON THE AUTHORITY MAY BE EXERCISED BY ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE DIRECTORS IF HE, SHE OR THEY ARE AUTHORIZED SO TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE AUTHORITY BY RESOLUTION OR BY LAW. A SUBPOENA ISSUED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE REGULATED BY THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES. S 1021-S. PERIODIC REVIEW BY LEGISLATURE FOR CONTINUATION OR TERMI- NATION. BEGINNING IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND FIFTY, AND NOT MORE THAN ONCE EVERY TEN YEARS THEREAFTER, THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, NOT TO EXCEED THREE MONTHS FROM COMMENCEMENT TO CONCLUSION, OF THE STRUCTURE, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE NCPA, AND THE NCPA SHALL PROVIDE SUCH RECORDS, REPORTS AND TESTI- MONY AS THE LEGISLATURE MAY REQUEST TO ASSIST IN THE CONDUCT OF THIS REVIEW. UPON THE CONCLUSION OF EACH SUCH COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, THE LEGISLATURE MAY IN ITS DISCRETION DETERMINE TO TERMINATE THE AUTHORITY BY ENACTMENT INTO LAW, AND SIGNATURE BY THE GOVERNOR OF A STATUTE REPEALING THIS TITLE AS OF A DATE CERTAIN, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-M OF THIS TITLE AND THE TERMS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBT OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING. SUCH STATUTE SHALL, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ASSIGN THE AUTHORITY'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSI- BILITIES AND DISPOSE OF ITS ASSETS TO THE STATE OR A SUBDIVISION THERE- OF. IN THE EVENT THAT THE LEGISLATURE DOES NOT SO DETERMINE AND SO ENACT, THE CORPORATE EXISTENCE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONTINUE INDEFI- NITELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-T. SEVERABILITY. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE ARE SEVERABLE, AND IF ANY CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, ACTION OR PART OF THIS TITLE, OR THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO ANY PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE, SHALL BE ADJUDGED BY ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE, SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT, IMPAIR OR INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER OF THIS TITLE OR THE APPLICATION OF SUCH PROVISION TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT SHALL BE CONFINED IN ITS OPERATION TO THE CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, SECTION OR PART THEREOF OR PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE CONTROVERSY IN WHICH SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL HAVE BEEN RENDERED. S 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Co-Sponsors
Joseph A. Griffo
(R, C) 53rd Senate District
Betty Little
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
S2813A - Details
- See Assembly Version of this Bill:
- A6694
- Law Section:
- Public Authorities Law
- Laws Affected:
- Add Art 5 Title 1-B §§1021 - 1021-s, amd §51, Pub Auth L
S2813A - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER: S2813A TITLE OF BILL : An act to amend the public authorities law and the executive law, in relation to establishing the North Country power authority, and providing for its powers and duties PURPOSE OF BILL : To create a public benefit corporation, a political subdivision of the state, to provide electric power services to designated municipalities in S1. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS : Establishes the North Country Power Authority to provide electric power services to designated municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, to be governed by a board of directors with overlapping terms, with enumerated powers to acquire, own, operate and finance facilities to provide electric power services, to issue bonds of up to 50 years and notes and other debt obligations of up to 5 years, which securities are to be general obligations of the authority without any state or municipal liability, permitting sale of surplus power and establishment of subsidiaries, subjecting the authority to conflict of interest prohibitions, deposit and investment controls, annual auditing and reporting to state and local officials and the public, and mandating periodic legislative reviews starting in 2050
and discretionary termination through statute after each such review subject to terms of the authority's securities, together with attendant provisions for implementing and conducting its financing and operating responsibilities. JUSTIFICATION : Enabling legislation is essential to establish a public power utility to finance and operate a municipal electric system serving a group of 24 municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, all of which have endorsed the creation of the authority and the proposed legislation. These counties in the North Country constitute an area where economic growth has been lagging for years and one that faces very high rates for electric services to residential and commercial consumers. The affected municipalities are committed to securing lower electricity rates, greater service reliability, local public control and future emphasis on energy. conservation and sustainability through this new public power utility, built on a model common in this country. The public authority is necessary to provide financing, which would be stand-alone revenue bonding without any recourse to the state or the municipalities. The act is replete with good governance provisions, financial discipline measures, transparency and reporting requirements, and accountability to the governor, the legislature, the municipalities and the public to be served. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY : S.8257-A - 2008 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None. LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None. EFFECTIVE DATE : Immediate.
S2813A - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 2813--A 2009-2010 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E March 3, 2009 ___________ Introduced by Sens. AUBERTINE, GRIFFO, LITTLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications -- reported favorably from said committee and committed to the Committee on Finance -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit- tee AN ACT to amend the public authorities law and the executive law, in relation to establishing the North Country power authority, and providing for its powers and duties THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Article 5 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new title 1-B to read as follows: TITLE 1-B NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SECTION 1021. SHORT TITLE. 1021-A. DECLARATION OF LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. 1021-B. DEFINITIONS. 1021-C. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SERVICE AREA; EXTENSION OF SERVICE AREA. 1021-D. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY. 1021-E. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-F. DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-G. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. 1021-H. SALE OF SURPLUS POWER. 1021-I. SUBSIDIARIES. 1021-J. AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 1021-K. BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-L. STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE ON BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. 1021-M. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD07083-10-9
S. 2813--A 2 1021-N. EXEMPTION OF THE AUTHORITY FROM TAXATION. 1021-O. ACTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1021-P. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. 1021-Q. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION. 1021-R. POWER TO COMPEL ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES. 1021-S. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. 1021-T. WEBSITE. 1021-U. GOVERNANCE. 1021-V. SUBSIDIARIES. 1021-W. WHISTLEBLOWER. 1021-X. LOBBYING CONTACTS. 1021-Y. PREVAILING WAGE. 1021-Z. PERIODIC REVIEW BY LEGISLATURE FOR CONTINUATION OR TERMINATION. 1021-AA. SEVERABILITY. S 1021. SHORT TITLE. THIS TITLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE "NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ACT". S 1021-A. DECLARATION OF LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. THE LEGIS- LATURE HEREBY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE ELECTRIC POWER IS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE NORTH COUNTRY. TOWNS AND VILLAGES THROUGHOUT FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUN- TIES HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING LIMITED ECONOMIC EXPANSION FOR A CONSIDER- ABLE TIME. EXCESSIVE AND ESCALATING COSTS OF ELECTRICITY IN MANY OF THE MUNICIPALITIES IN SUCH COUNTIES POSE A SEVERE AND PROLONGED THREAT TO THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS AND TO SUSTAINING EXISTING COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS UNDERMINING THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPING NEW AND EXPANDED BUSINESSES AND MORE JOBS FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE'S NORTHERNMOST COUNTIES. THE COST OF POWER IS A MAJOR ONGOING EXPENSE TO BOTH HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES. THE COST TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS ANOTHER FACTOR, AT RISK TODAY AND FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, AS CLEAN ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION BECOME EVER MORE IMPORTANT TO MAINTAINING ACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL QUAL- ITY. THE SERVICE AREA COVERS A LARGE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, CREATING AN OPPOR- TUNITY FOR AFFORDING CAREFUL PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH IS INTEGRAL TO PUBLIC MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA'S CRITICAL POWER DELIVERY SYSTEM. SIMULTANEOUSLY, LOWER COST AND MORE RELIABLE TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY WOULD HELP CREATE ECONOMIC STIMULUS FOR THE AREA AND PROVIDE A WELCOME BENEFIT TO RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES. ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE ENERGY SYSTEMS ARE NECESSARY IN THE NORTH COUNTRY TO PROTECT AGAINST DEGRADATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE RESULT FROM THE GENERATION, DELIVERY AND CONSUMPTION OF ELEC- TRIC POWER. ELECTRICAL UTILITIES MUST ENDEAVOR DIRECTLY TO CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH THEIR INVESTMENT IN AND INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF GENERATION AND DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY. ELECTRICAL UTILI- TIES MUST ALSO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS CONSUMERS TO ENGAGE IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION. PROGRAMS TO BE CONSIDERED SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE FUEL RESOURCES SUCH AS SOLAR, WIND, HYDRO AND BIOFUEL ENERGY; GREEN TECHNOLOGY TO MINIMIZE ADVERSE IMPACTS ON LAND, WATER AND AIR; AND IMPROVED PROGRAMS IN THE AREAS OF EFFICIENCY, DISTRIBUTED GENERATION, NET METERING AND DEMAND RESPONSE. NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND RESOURCES IN THE POWER INDUSTRY MUST BE CONSIDERED FOR IMPLEMENTATION AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY BY ELECTRICITY ENTERPRISES AND CONSUMERS. S. 2813--A 3 A NUMBER OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN THE COUNTIES OF ST. LAWRENCE AND FRANKLIN NOW FACE A NEED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THEY HAVE ALSO EXPE- RIENCED HIGH RATES AND LOW RELIABILITY FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE. SUCH MUNI- CIPALITIES HAVE COME TOGETHER IN A WORKING ALLIANCE TO ADDRESS THEIR POWER SUPPLY CONCERNS AND TO FORMULATE POWER PLANS, BUT THAT ALLIANCE LACKS THE KINDS OF LEGAL AND FINANCIAL POWERS TO SUCCESSFULLY ACCOMPLISH THE OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL STEPS NECESSARY TO MOVE FORWARD THAT ONLY A PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY CAN ACHIEVE. ASSURING AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY IN A RELIABLE, EFFICIENT, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANNER IS HEREBY DETERMINED TO BE A MATTER OF STATE CONCERN WITHIN THE MEANING OF PARAGRAPH THREE OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION THREE OF ARTI- CLE NINE OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION. SUCH MATTERS OF STATE CONCERN CAN BEST BE DEALT WITH BY ESTABLISHING A SINGLE-PURPOSE AUTHORITY DEDICATED TO THE PROVISION OF ELECTRICITY, WITH LIMITED POWERS AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNANCE, TO SERVE DEFINED AREAS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. SUCH AUTHORITIES EXIST IN THE STATE AND NATION, AND CONSTITUTE A MUNICIPAL POWER INDUSTRY THAT IS WELL ESTABLISHED AND HIGHLY REGARDED. SUCH PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY WOULD, FIRST AND FOREMOST, FURTHER THE PUBLIC INTEREST EXCLUSIVELY, SERVING ITS CITIZENS, INCLUDING ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES, WITH THE FUNDA- MENTAL GOOD THAT ELECTRICITY CONSTITUTES THROUGH MANAGEMENT OF A PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. AMONG BENEFITS PROJECTED OVER THE LONG TERM WOULD BE LOWER ELECTRIC RATES, HIGHER INVESTMENT AND BETTER PERFORMANCE OF ALL COMPONENTS OF THE ELECTRICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM. MOREOVER, IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SUPPLANTING OF INVESTOR OWNED, PRIVATE, FOR-PROFIT UTILITY CORPORATIONS BY SUCH AN AUTHORITY WILL RESULT IN AN IMPROVED SYSTEM AND A SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT, RELIABLE AND ECONOMICAL SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC ENERGY. READILY AVAILABLE CLEAN AND LOWER COST ELECTRICITY WILL IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE SERVICE AREA. THE LEGISLATURE FURTHER FINDS THAT SUCH AN AUTHORITY WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE STEWARD OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN MEETING ITS POWER RESPONSIBILITIES, PLACING A PRIORITY ON THE SAFEKEEPING AND PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE, CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AS NEW TECHNOLOGIES EVOLVE AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES APPEAR. S 1021-B. DEFINITIONS. AS USED OR REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE, UNLESS A DIFFERENT MEANING CLEARLY APPEARS FROM THE CONTEXT: 1. "ACQUIRE" MEANS, WITH RESPECT TO ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN OR TO ANY PROPERTY, EITHER THE ACT OF TAKING BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN, OR THE ACQUISITION BY PURCHASE OR OTHERWISE. 2. "ACT" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ACT, BEING THIS TITLE. 3. "AUTHORITY" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED BY SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-D OF THIS TITLE. 4. "COMPTROLLER" MEANS THE STATE COMPTROLLER. 5. "DIRECTORS" MEAN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY. 6. "FEDERAL GOVERNMENT" MEANS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND ANY AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY, CORPORATE OR OTHERWISE, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 7. "FINAL DETERMINATION" OR "FINALLY DETERMINED" MEANS A JUDICIAL DECISION (A) BY THE HIGHEST COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, OR (B) BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FROM WHICH NO APPEAL HAS BEEN TAKEN AND THE TIME WITHIN WHICH TO APPEAL HAS EXPIRED. 8. "NCPA" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. 9. "MUNICIPALITY" MEANS ANY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN, VILLAGE, MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, SCHOOL DISTRICT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE S. 2813--A 4 STATE, INCLUDING ANY AGENCY, AUTHORITY OR PUBLIC CORPORATION OF THE STATE OR ANY OF THE FOREGOING, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF, OTHER THAN THE AUTHORITY. 10. "PROPERTY" MEANS THE POWER TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENER- ATION SYSTEM OR SYSTEMS OF THE AUTHORITY, WHETHER COMPLETED FACILITIES OR PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION, WHETHER SITUATED WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING THE PLANTS, WORKS, STRUCTURES, POLES, LINES, CONDUITS, MAINS, SYSTEMS, INSTRUMENTALITIES OR PARTS THEREOF AND APPURTENANCES THERETO, LANDS, FRANCHISES AND INTEREST IN LAND, INCLUDING LANDS UNDER WATER AND RIPARIAN RIGHTS, SPACE RIGHTS AND AIR RIGHTS, CONTRACT RIGHTS, SUBSTATIONS, TRANSMISSION FACILITIES, SUBTRANSMISSION FACILITIES, AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES, OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY INCIDENTAL TO AND INCLUDED IN SUCH SYSTEM OR PART THEREOF, AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS, EXTENSIONS OR BETTERMENTS. THE TERM "PROPERTY" SHALL ALSO INCLUDE ANY AND ALL INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY LESS THAN FULL TITLE, SUCH AS 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, AND ALSO ALL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES RELATED TO SUCH REAL ESTATE. 11. "REVENUES" MEANS ALL RATES, RENTS, FEES, CHARGES, PAYMENTS AND OTHER INCOME AND RECEIPTS DERIVED BY THE AUTHORITY FROM THE OPERATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY OTHER THAN THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALES OF ITS SECURITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INVESTMENT PROCEEDS AND PROCEEDS OF INSURANCE, CONDEMNATION, AND SALES OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF ASSETS, TOGETHER WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE OR MUNICIPAL AID. 12. "SECURITY" MEANS ANY BOND, NOTE OR OTHER OBLIGATION ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY. 13. "STATE" MEANS THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 14. "STATE AGENCY" MEANS ANY BOARD, AUTHORITY, AGENCY, DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, PUBLIC CORPORATION, BODY POLITIC OR INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE STATE. S 1021-C. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SERVICE AREA; EXTENSION OF SERVICE AREA. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE ALL THE TERRITORY LOCATED WITHIN SO MUCH OF THE COUNTY OF FRANKLIN AS CONSTITUTES THE TOWNS OF BOMBAY, FORT COVINGTON, MOIRA AND WESTVILLE: AND SO MUCH OF THE COUNTY OF ST. LAWRENCE AS CONSTITUTES THE TOWNS OF BRASHER, CANTON, COLTON, DEKALB, EDWARDS, FOWLER, GOUVERNEUR, HERMON, LISBON, LOUISVILLE, MADRID, NORFOLK, PIERREPONT, POTSDAM, RUSSELL, STOCKHOLM, AND WADDINGTON AND THE VILLAGES OF CANTON, NORWOOD, AND POTSDAM OR SUCH SUCH PORTIONS THEREOF AS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, BUT THE SERVICE AREA SHALL EXCLUDE THE PORTIONS OF SAID MUNI- CIPALITIES IN FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES WHICH ARE SERVED AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS TITLE BY ANOTHER EXISTING NON-PROFIT MUNICI- PAL ELECTRIC UTILITY. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE SUCH OTHER TERRITORIES, AS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, WHOLLY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, AND ADJACENT TO ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED MUNICIPALITIES, IN WHICH RATE PAYERS RELY ON UNINTERRUPTED ELECTRIC SERVICE FROM POWER FACILITIES OF THE AUTHORITY LOCATED WITHIN SAID MUNICIPALITIES. A MAP OF THE SERVICE AREA SHALL BE FILED IN THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY CLERKS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY MAY BE EXTENDED AT ANY TIME TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES BY THE DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE. WHENEVER THE DIRECTORS DETERMINE THAT THE TERRITORY INCLUDED S. 2813--A 5 WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA SHOULD BE EXTENDED, CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, THE DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT A RESOLUTION PROPOS- ING THE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY, WHOLLY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, TO BE INCLUDED, WHICH MAY BE ALL THE TERRITORY WITHIN ONE OR MORE NAMED MUNICIPALITIES OR, BY ADEQUATE DESCRIPTION, A PORTION OF ANY SUCH MUNICIPALITY OR MUNICIPALITIES. THE DIRECTORS SHALL FIX THE DATES, HOURS AND PLACES FOR THREE PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE SUCH DIRECTORS UPON THE QUESTION OF SUCH EXTENSION AND CAUSE NOTICE THEREOF AND OF THE ADDI- TIONAL TERRITORY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA TO BE PUBLISHED IN TWO NEWSPAPERS OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE COUNTY NOT LESS THAN TWENTY NOR MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS BEFORE SUCH DATE. AT LEAST ONE OF SUCH HEARING SHALL BE HELD WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL TERRITORY. AT SUCH TIME THE DIRECTORS SHALL HEAR ALL PERSONS, TAXPAYERS OR OFFICIALS WHO MAY WISH TO BE HEARD AND SHALL FINALLY DETERMINE THE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY, IF ANY, TO BE INCLUDED IN SUCH EXTENSION. SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL BE MADE BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS ADOPTED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF ALL DIRECTORS THEN IN OFFICE. A MAP OF THE SERVICE AREA, AS EXTENDED, SHALL THEREUPON BE FILED IN THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY CLERKS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. S 1021-D. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY. 1. A CORPORATION KNOWN AS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSES DECLARED IN SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-A OF THIS TITLE AND CHARGED WITH THE DUTIES AND HAVING THE POWERS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE A BODY CORPORATE AND POLITIC CONSTITUTING A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, EXER- CISING GOVERNMENTAL AND PUBLIC POWERS, PERPETUAL IN DURATION, CAPABLE OF SUING AND BEING SUED AND HAVING A SEAL, AND WHICH SHALL HAVE THE POWERS AND DUTIES ENUMERATED IN THIS TITLE, TOGETHER WITH SUCH OTHERS AS MAY BE CONFERRED UPON IT BY LAW. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTING OF NINE DIRECTORS, TO BE RESIDENTS OF THE SERVICE AREA, AND TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. SEVEN SUCH DIRECTORS SHALL BE APPOINTED UPON DESIGNATION OF THE SUPERVISORS AND MAYORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE FOLLOWING REGIONS, WITH THE DESIGNATIONS TO BE MADE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: THE VILLAGE OF POTSDAM WILL DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE VILLAGE OF CANTON AND THE TOWN OF CANTON WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF BOMBAY, BRASHER, FORT COVINGTON, MOIRA AND WESTVILLE WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF FOWLER AND GOUVERNEUR WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF LISBON, LOUISVILLE, MADRID, NORFOLK AND WADDINGTON WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF POTSDAM, STOCKHOLM, COLTON AND THE VILLAGE OF NORWOOD WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; AND THE TOWNS OF DEKALB, EDWARDS, HERMON, RUSSELL AND PIERREPONT WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR. EVERY DECADE THE DIRECTORS SHALL EXAMINE THE POPULATION OF THE SEVEN REGIONS, AND IF NEEDED, ADJUST THE MAKE-UP OR DEMARCATION OF THE REGIONS, FOR THE NECESSITY OR CONVENIENCE OF PERFORM- ING ITS FUNCTIONS AND ADMINISTERING ITS AFFAIRS AND TO MAINTAIN A REASONABLE EQUALITY OF POPULATION BETWEEN THE REGIONS. THE GOVERNOR SHALL SELECT ONE OF THE DIRECTORS TO SERVE AS CHAIR, AND SUCH CHAIR SHALL SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR. THE TERM OF OFFICE OF A DIRECTOR, INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR SERVING AS CHAIR, SHALL BE FIVE YEARS, BUT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE SUCH DIRECTORS SHALL BE APPOINTED TO HOLD OFFICE AS FOLLOWS: THREE FOR ONE YEAR; THREE FOR THREE YEARS; AND THREE S. 2813--A 6 FOR FIVE YEARS. UPON RESIGNATION OF A DIRECTOR, OR A VACANCY OCCURRING IN ANY OTHER MANNER, SUCH VACANCY SHALL BE FILLED BY APPOINTMENT FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM. IN OTHER RESPECTS, ALL VACANCIES SHALL BE FILLED IN THE MANNER CORRESPONDING TO THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL CONTINUE TO HOLD OFFICE AND SERVE UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED, QUALI- FIED AND ASSUMES OFFICE. 3. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A PER DIEM PAYMENT FOR EVERY DAY OF ACTUAL SERVICE TO THE NCPA, THE AMOUNT OF SAID PER DIEM TO BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, BUT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER ANNUM, ANNUALLY ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL ALSO BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR ACTUAL AND REASONABLE DIRECT EXPENSES, AS MAY BE AUTHORIZED BY THE DIRECTORS, IN EACH CASE UPON APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION BY THE SUBMITTING DIRECTOR. NO DIRECTOR OR ANY ENTITY, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH IS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY ANY DIRECTOR, SHALL RECEIVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FROM NCPA OR BE EMPLOYED BY NCPA IN ANY OTHER CAPACITY BY WHATEVER MEANS. 4. FIVE DIRECTORS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS, AND THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF FIVE DIRECTORS AT A MEETING SHALL BE NECESSARY TO THE VALIDITY OF ANY RESOLUTION, ORDER OR DETERMINATION. THE DIRECTORS, IN BY-LAWS OR BY RESOLUTION, MAY ALLOW FOR ATTENDANCE AT A MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS BY SPEAKER PHONE OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS BY WHICH ALL MEETING PARTICIPANTS CAN HEAR ONE ANOTHER. 5. THE DIRECTORS SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF NOT LESS THAN THREE DIRECTORS AND SHALL DELEGATE SUCH DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AS IT MAY DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME, EXCEPT THAT THE DIRECTORS SHALL NOT DELEGATE TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THE POWER TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES. THE DIREC- TORS MAY APPOINT SUCH ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES WITH SUCH DUTIES AND RESPON- SIBILITIES AS THEY MAY DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME. 6. THE DIRECTORS SHALL FROM TIME TO TIME SELECT SUCH OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SUCH ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL OFFICERS, AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUD- ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACCOUNTING, PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION, FINANCE, APPRAISAL, BANKING AND TRUSTEE SERVICES, AS THE DIRECTORS MAY REQUIRE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES AND SHALL PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES AND COMPENSATION OF EACH SUCH OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE. 7. NEITHER THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION NOR ANY OTHER BOARD OR COMMISSION OF LIKE CHARACTER, SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION OVER THE AUTHORITY IN THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF ITS PROPERTIES OR OPERATIONS EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE WITH REGARD TO RATES AND SERVICES OR OTHERWISE. 8. THE AUTHORITY AND ITS CORPORATE EXISTENCE SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED BY LAW, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION NINE OF THIS SECTION AND SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-S OF THIS TITLE, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO SUCH LAW SHALL TAKE EFFECT SO LONG AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE SECURITIES OUTSTANDING, UNLESS ADEQUATE PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF. 9. IN THE EVENT THAT THE AUTHORITY DOES NOT COMMENCE EITHER ONE OR MORE OF TRANSMITTING, DELIVERING AND GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER WITHIN TEN YEARS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY SHALL CEASE TO EXIST AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE SHALL BE OF NO FURTHER FORCE AND EFFECT, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-M OF THIS TITLE AND THE TERMS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBT OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING. S 1021-E. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE POWERS CONFERRED BY THIS TITLE SHALL BE EXERCISED BY THE DIRECTORS, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF S. 2813--A 7 THIS TITLE. IN THE EXERCISE OF THOSE POWERS, EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH ITS OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, THE DIRECTORS MAY DO THE FOLLOWING THINGS, AMONG OTHERS, AND THE FOLLOWING LIST OF POWERS SHALL NOT BE DEEMED COMPLETE OR EXCLUSIVE, OR TO DENY THE EXISTENCE OF OTHER POWERS, WHETHER SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT, SO LONG AS THEY ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE PURPOSES DECLARED AND INDICATED IN THIS TITLE: 1. TO MAKE AND ALTER BY-LAWS FOR THE REGULATION OF ITS AFFAIRS AND CONDUCT OF ITS ACTIVITIES, TO SCHEDULE ANNUAL, REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEET- INGS OF THE DIRECTORS, AS THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF THE AUTHORITY MAY WARRANT, AND TO ADOPT AND AMEND AN OFFICIAL SEAL; 2. TO DEVELOP, ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, RECONSTRUCT, REHABILITATE AND IMPROVE FACILITIES FOR THE TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION OR GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER OR ANY CONNECTED SERVICE; 3. TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION, TYPE, SIZE, CONSTRUCTION, LEASE, PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, ACQUISITION, USE AND OPERATION OF ANY FACILITIES OR OTHER STRUCTURE OR PROPERTY, WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE SERVICE AREA; 4. TO INVESTIGATE, IMPLEMENT AND INTEGRATE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PRACTICABLE AND ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE, SUCH RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT INTENDED TO REDUCE POWER DEMAND AND USAGE, UTILIZE GREEN TECHNOLOGIES, ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE FUELS, DISTRIBUTED GENERATION, NET METERING AND DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAMS, ALL AS INTEGRAL ELEMENTS IN ITS INVESTMENTS IN NEW PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENERATION OF POWER, AND IN ITS MARKETING AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY TO CONSUMERS; 5. TO ACQUIRE ON BEHALF OF AND IN THE NAME OF THE AUTHORITY, WHETHER BY AGREEMENT WITH AND PURCHASE FROM THE OWNER OR OWNERS, OR BY ARBI- TRATION, OR WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA BY EMINENT DOMAIN, PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN THE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURE LAW, OR BY LEASE, THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF ANY EXISTING FACILITIES OR OF ANY OTHER PROPER- TY TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH POWER TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION OR GENERATION BY THE AUTHORITY AS SET OUT IN THIS TITLE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY OF A MUNICIPALITY OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE UNLESS SUCH MUNICIPALITY OR POLI- TICAL SUBDIVISION SHALL CONSENT THERETO; AND IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OF SUCH PROPERTIES THE AUTHORITY MAY ASSUME ANY OBLIGATIONS OF THE OWNER OF SUCH PROPERTIES AND, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF ANY INDENTURES OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS UNDER WHICH SUCH OBLIGATIONS WERE ISSUED, THE AUTHORITY MAY ASSUME AND AGREE TO PERFORM COVENANTS AND OBSERVE RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED IN SUCH INSTRUMENTS; AND FURTHERMORE THE OWNER OF ANY PROPERTIES, WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO ACQUIRE, IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE SAME TO THE AUTHORITY. IN THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN, AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUBDIVISION, THE PROPERTY BEING ACQUIRED SHALL BE DEEMED, WHEN SO DETERMINED BY THE AUTHORITY, TO BE FOR A PUBLIC USE; 6. TO TRANSMIT, DISTRIBUTE AND GENERATE ELECTRIC POWER AND ANY CONNECTED SERVICES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA, TO FIX RATES AND CHARGES FOR THE FURNISHING OR RENDITION OF ELECTRIC POWER OR OF ANY CONNECTED SERVICE, AND TO COLLECT REVENUES; 7. TO MAINTAIN, OPERATE AND MANAGE, AND CONTRACT FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY; 8. TO APPLY TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS OF THE FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUCH LICENSES, PERMITS OR APPROVALS FOR ITS PLANS AND PROJECTS AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY OR ADVISABLE, AND UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS IT MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE TO ACCEPT, IN ITS DISCRETION, SUCH LICENSES, PERMITS OR APPROVALS AS MAY BE TENDERED TO IT BY SUCH AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS; S. 2813--A 8 9. TO ENTER UPON SUCH LANDS, WATERS OR PREMISES AS IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING SURVEYS, SOUNDINGS, BORINGS AND EXAMINATIONS TO ACCOMPLISH ANY PURPOSE AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY BEING LIABLE ONLY FOR ACTUAL DAMAGES DONE; 10. TO ENTER INTO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER AUTHORITIES, MUNI- CIPALITIES, UTILITY COMPANIES, INDIVIDUALS, FIRMS OR CORPORATIONS, AND THE DOMINION OF CANADA AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, FOR THE INTERCON- NECTION OF FACILITIES AND THE EXCHANGE OR INTERCHANGE OF ELECTRIC POWER OR CONNECTED SERVICES, UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SHALL BE DETER- MINED TO BE REASONABLE; 11. TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS, BORROW MONEY, ISSUE BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS AS PROVIDED IN SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-K OF THIS TITLE, AND SELL THE SAME IN SUCH AMOUNTS AND AT SUCH PRICES, INTEREST RATES AND OTHER FINANCIAL TERMS AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS; 12. TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE POWER FROM THE POWER AUTHORI- TY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, THE STATE, ANY STATE AGENCY, ANY MUNICI- PALITY, ANY PRIVATE ENTITY OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE SOURCE AT SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS MAY BE NEGOTIATED, INCLUDING THE POWER TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT OR ANY NEGOTIATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF POWER FROM THE DOMINION OF CANADA, OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION, PUBLIC AUTHORITY OR PRIVATE CORPORATION THEREIN; 13. TO MAKE ANY PLANS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATIONS WHICH IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE TO ENABLE IT EFFECTUALLY TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; 14. WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE FIRST SALE OF ELECTRIC POWER OR ANY CONNECTED SERVICE, TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS GRANTING TO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS THE PROTECTIONS AFFORDED BY ARTICLE TWO OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW AND SECTION ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE-S OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW; 15. TO ASSUME SUCH RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ALLIANCE FOR MUNICIPAL POWER, A JOINT STUDY COMMISSION ESTABLISHED BY INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE TWENTY-FOUR TOWNS AND VILLAGES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA OF THE AUTHORITY, WHICH FURTHER THE NCPA PURPOSES AND POWERS AS DETERMINED BY THE NCPA DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; AND 16. TO DO WHATEVER MAY BE NECESSARY TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE, AND IN GENERAL TO HAVE AND EXERCISE ALL OTHER POWERS NECES- SARY OR INCIDENTAL TO THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-F. DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. ALL MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY, FROM WHATEVER SOURCE DERIVED, EXCEPT AS OTHER- WISE AUTHORIZED OR PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE, SHALL UPON RECEIPT BE DEPOS- ITED FORTHWITH IN A BANK OR BANKS DESIGNATED BY THE DIRECTORS, TO BE SELECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH STANDARDS AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL SET FORTH IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY, WHICH STANDARDS SHALL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CREDITWORTHINESS AND CAPITAL POSI- TION OF THE DEPOSITARY BANK OR BANKS. THE MONEYS IN SUCH ACCOUNTS MAY BE INVESTED IN OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE OR THE UNITED STATES, OR GUARANTEED BY EITHER IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRACTICES THAT THE DIRECTORS SHALL SET FORTH IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE MONEYS IN SUCH ACCOUNTS SHALL BE WITHDRAWN ON THE ORDER OF SUCH PERSON OR PERSONS AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL AUTHORIZE IN THE BY-LAWS OF THE AUTHORITY AND SHALL BE APPLIED TO THE USE OF THE AUTHORITY AS THE DIREC- TORS SHALL AUTHORIZE IN THE BY-LAWS OF THE AUTHORITY. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER TO CONTRACT WITH HOLDERS OF ANY OF ITS BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, OR ANY TRUSTEE THEREFOR, AS TO THE CUSTODY, COLLECTION, SECURING, INVESTMENT AND PAYMENT OF ANY MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY AND OF ANY MONEYS HELD IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE FOR THE S. 2813--A 9 PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, AND TO CARRY OUT ANY SUCH CONTRACT. MONEYS HELD IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR IN ANY WAY TO SECURE BONDS OR NOTES OR OBLIGATIONS AND DEPOSITS OF SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE SECURED IN FULL IN DIRECT OBLIGATIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THE PAYMENT OF WHICH IS GUARANTEED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SUCH INVESTMENTS SHALL BE HELD ON DEPOSIT ONLY IN BANKS HAVING A MINIMUM CREDIT RATING AND A MINIMUM ACCUMULATED CAPITAL, AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL SPECIFY IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY. 3. SUBJECT TO AGREEMENTS WITH NOTEHOLDERS AND BONDHOLDERS OR ANY TRUS- TEE THEREFOR, THE AUTHORITY SHALL PRESCRIBE A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES. 4. THE DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT INVESTMENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS TO IMPLEMENT THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, WHICH GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS SHALL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY BY THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO STATE AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND TO THE PUBLIC. S 1021-G. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT AS A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE OF THIS CHAPTER. IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH SECTION: 1. IF ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE AN INTEREST, EITHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS OR IS TO BE A PARTY, SUCH INTEREST SHALL BE DISCLOSED TO THE AUTHORITY IN WRITING AND SHALL BE SET FORTH IN THE MINUTES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE HAVING SUCH INTEREST SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTION BY THE AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CONTRACT. 2. NO DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE SUCH AN INTEREST SOLELY BY REASON OF THE OWNERSHIP OF TWO PERCENT OR LESS OF THE SECURITIES OF A CORPORATION WHICH IS OR IS TO BE A PARTY TO A CONTRACT WITH THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE HOLDING COMPANY OF ANY BANKING INSTITUTION IN WHICH THE FUNDS OF THE AUTHORITY ARE, OR ARE TO BE DEPOSITED, OR WHICH IS OR IS TO BE ACTING AS TRUSTEE OR PAYING AGENT UNDER ANY BOND OR NOTE RESOLUTION, TRUST INDEN- TURE OR SIMILAR INSTRUMENT TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS A PARTY. 3. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEEMED OR CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE RIGHT OF ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE AN INTEREST IN THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY. S 1021-H. SALE OF SURPLUS POWER. WHENEVER ANY ELECTRIC POWER WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY ACQUIRE OR GENERATE CREATES A SURPLUS OVER THE AMOUNT OF ELECTRIC POWER REQUIRED BY THE RESIDENTS OF THE SERVICE AREA, THE AUTHORITY MAY SELL SUCH SURPLUS IN TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE SERVICE AREA TO PERSONS, OR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS. IN ACQUIRING ANY FACILITY OR PROPERTY WHICH ALSO SERVES ANY MUNICIPALITY OR TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE SERVICE AREA, THE AUTHORITY, IF IT DEEMS IT ADVANTAGEOUS AND ECONOMICAL SO TO DO, MAY, WITH THE CONSENT OF THE DIRECTORS, SERVE ANY SUCH MUNICI- PALITY OR TERRITORY OR SELL ELECTRIC POWER TO PERSONS, OR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS IN SUCH TERRITORY OR TO SUCH MUNICIPALITY. S 1021-I. SUBSIDIARIES. 1. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE AND PERFORM ALL OR PART OF ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS THROUGH ONE OR MORE WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES BY ACQUIRING THE VOTING SHARES THEREOF OR BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS DIRECTING ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, OFFI- CERS OR EMPLOYEES TO ORGANIZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION PURSUANT TO THE BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW, THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION LAW OR THE TRANSPORTATION CORPORATIONS LAW. SUCH RESOLUTION SHALL PRESCRIBE THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH ANY SUCH SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION IS TO BE FORMED. S. 2813--A 10 2. THE AUTHORITY MAY TRANSFER TO ANY SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION ANY MONEYS, PROPERTY (REAL, PERSONAL OR MIXED) OR FACILITIES IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE. EACH SUCH SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL HAVE ALL THE PRIVILEGES, IMMUNITIES, TAX EXEMPTIONS AND OTHER EXEMPTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY TO THE EXTENT THE SAME ARE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE STATUTE OR STATUTES PURSUANT TO WHICH SUCH SUBSIDIARY WAS INCORPORATED. EACH SUCH SUBSIDIARY SHALL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW AND THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT TO THE SAME EXTENT AS THEY APPLY TO THE NCPA. 3. ANY SUCH SUBSIDIARIES OF NCPA SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REPORT- ING, AUDITING AND REVIEW REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO NCPA PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-J. AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 1. 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 SELECTED BY THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICI- PALITIES SERVED BY THE NCPA AND TO THE PUBLIC. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL SUBMIT A DETAILED ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO AND AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED OF THIS CHAPTER, AND A COPY OF SUCH REPORT SHALL BE FILED WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVES OF THE COUNTIES OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE, AND WITH THE MAYORS AND SUPERVISORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICIPALITIES SERVED BY THE NCPA AND TO THE PUBLIC. S 1021-K. BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER AND IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED FROM TIME TO TIME TO ISSUE ITS BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANC- ING ANY CAPITAL PROJECT AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ACQUISITION OF ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY OR FACILI- TIES DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE AUTHORITY, DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES, AND FUNDING ANY CAPITAL OR OTHER RESERVE FUNDS ESTABLISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE AUTHORITY'S OPERATIONS OR ISSUANCES, IN SUCH PRINCI- PAL AMOUNT AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL DETERMINE NECESSARY TO PERFORM ITS CORPORATE DUTIES AND FURTHER ITS PURPOSES AS AUTHORIZED IN THIS TITLE. THE MAXIMUM MATURITY OF ANY SUCH BOND SHALL NOT EXCEED FORTY YEARS FROM ITS DATE OF ISSUANCE. THE MAXIMUM MATURITY OF ANY SUCH NOTE OR OBLI- GATION SHALL NOT EXCEED FIVE YEARS FROM ITS DATE OF ISSUANCE. 2. EXCEPT AS MAY BE OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORITY, THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, UP TO ONE HUNDRED SEVEN- TY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY, SHALL BE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY PAYABLE OUT OF ANY MONEYS OR REVENUES OF THE AUTHORITY, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOLDERS OF PARTICULAR BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS PLEDGING ANY PARTICULAR MONEYS OR REVENUES. 3. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER FROM TIME TO TIME, WHENEVER IT DEEMS REFUNDING EXPEDIENT, TO REFUND ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS BY THE ISSUANCE OF NEW BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, UP TO ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY, WHETHER THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO BE REFUNDED HAVE OR HAVE NOT MATURED, AND MAY ISSUE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS PARTLY TO REFUND BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING AND PARTLY FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION. REFUNDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO BE REFUNDED, WITH SUCH CASH ADJUSTMENTS AS MAY BE AGREED, OR MAY BE SOLD WITH THE PROCEEDS APPLIED TO THE PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF THE BONDS TO BE REFUNDED. 4. BONDS MAY BE ISSUED EITHER IN A SERIES WITH MULTIPLE DISCRETE MATU- RITY DATES OR AS TERM BONDS WITH A SINGLE MATURITY DATE. THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION OF THE S. 2813--A 11 DIRECTORS AND SHALL BEAR SUCH DATE OR DATES, MATURE AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES, BEAR INTEREST AT SUCH RATE OR RATES, PAYABLE ANNUALLY OR SEMI-AN- NUALLY, BE IN SUCH DENOMINATIONS, BE IN SUCH FORM, CARRY SUCH REGISTRA- TION PRIVILEGES, BE EXECUTED IN SUCH MANNER, BE PAYABLE IN LAWFUL MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT SUCH PLACE OR PLACES, AND BE SUBJECT TO SUCH TERMS OF REDEMPTION, AS SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS MAY PROVIDE. IN THE EVENT THAT TERM BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ARE ISSUED, THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAME MAY MAKE SUCH PROVISIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ADEQUATE SINKING FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF, AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DEEM NECESSARY. 5. THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY MAY BE SOLD AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE FOR SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL DETERMINE. FOR A PRIVATE SALE OF ITS SECURITIES, THE AUTHORITY SHALL OBTAIN THE WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE TERMS OF SUCH SALE FROM THE COMPTROLLER IF SUCH SALE IS TO A PARTY OTHER THAN THE COMPTROLLER, OR FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET WHERE SUCH SALE IS TO THE COMPTROLLER, IN EITHER CASE PRIOR TO CLOSING THE ISSUANCE TRANSACTION. 6. ANY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ANY ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS MAY CONTAIN PROVISIONS, WHICH SHALL BE A PART OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND THE HOLDERS OF THE ISSUED SECURITIES, AS TO: (A) PLEDGING ALL OR ANY PART OF THE REVENUES OF THE AUTHORITY OR ITS PROJECTS OR ANY REVENUE PRODUCING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITY WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL, PARTNERSHIP, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY; (B) PLEDGING, ASSIGNING OR CREATING A LIEN ON ALL OR ANY PART OF ASSETS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING MORTGAGES AND OBLIGATIONS SECURITY MORTGAGES, TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREE- MENTS WITH HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY; (C) THE SETTING ASIDE OF RESERVES OR SINKING FUNDS, AND THE REGULATION AND DISPOSITION THEREOF; (D) ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL FUNDS FOR DEPOSIT OF MONEYS RECEIVED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL DETER- MINE, CONSISTENT WITH THE AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; (E) LIMITATIONS ON THE PURPOSE TO WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF SALE OF ANY ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS THEN OR THEREAFTER TO BE ISSUED MAY BE APPLIED AND PLEDGING SUCH PROCEEDS TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; (F) LIMITATIONS OF THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; THE TERMS UPON WHICH ADDITIONAL BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS MAY BE ISSUED AND SECURED; AND THE REFUNDING OF OUTSTANDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; (G) THE PROCEDURE, IF ANY, BY WHICH THE TERMS OF ANY CONTRACT WITH BONDHOLDERS MAY BE AMENDED OR ABROGATED, THE AMOUNT OF BONDS THE HOLDERS OF WHICH MUST CONSENT THERETO, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH CONSENT MAY BE GIVEN; (H) PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND POWERS OF A TRUSTEE FOR HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, AND THE RIGHTS, POWERS AND DUTIES OF SUCH TRUSTEE AS THE DIRECTORS MAY DETERMINE; (I) LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF MONEYS DERIVED FROM A PROJECT TO BE EXPENDED FOR OPERATING, ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER EXPENSES OF THE AUTHORI- TY; S. 2813--A 12 (J) DEFINING THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS TO ACT WHICH SHALL CONSTITUTE A DEFAULT IN THE DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY TO HOLDERS OF ITS OBLIGATIONS AND PROVIDING THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF SUCH HOLDERS IN THE EVENT OF A DEFAULT; AND (K) ANY OTHER PROVISIONS NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THOSE ENUMERATED IN THIS SUBDIVISION AND NECESSARY TO EFFECT ITS ISSUANCES OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF ITS SECURITIES, OR OTHERWISE IN FURTHERANCE OF ITS CORPORATE PURPOSES. 7. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS TITLE, ANY SUCH RESOL- UTION OR RESOLUTIONS SHALL CONTAIN A COVENANT BY THE AUTHORITY THAT IT WILL AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN RATES, FEES OR CHARGES SUFFICIENT TO PAY, AND THAT ANY CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE AUTHORITY FOR THE SALE, TRANS- MISSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF POWER SHALL CONTAIN RATES, FEES OR CHARGES SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE COSTS OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROJECT, THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON ANY OBLIGATIONS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SUCH RESOLUTION AS THE SAME SEVERALLY BECOME DUE AND PAYABLE, AND TO MAINTAIN ANY DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIOS AND ANY RESERVES REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS. 8. IT IS THE INTENT OF THIS TITLE THAT ANY PLEDGE OF REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR OF A REVENUE PRODUCING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING FROM THE TIME WHEN THE PLEDGE IS MADE; THAT THE REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR PROCEEDS OF ANY CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS SO PLEDGED AND THEREAFTER RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL IMMEDIATELY BE SUBJECT TO THE LIEN OF SUCH PLEDGE WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL DELIVERY THEREOF OR FURTHER ACT; AND THAT THE LIEN OF ANY SUCH PLEDGE SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING AS AGAINST ALL PARTIES HAVING CLAIMS OF ANY KIND IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE AGAINST THE AUTHORITY IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER SUCH PARTIES HAVE NOTICE THEREOF. NEITHER THE RESOLUTION NOR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT BY WHICH A PLEDGE IS CREATED NEED BE RECORDED. 9. NEITHER THE DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY NOR ANY PERSON EXECUTING THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE LIABLE PERSONALLY ON THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR BE SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL LIABIL- ITY OR ACCOUNTABILITY BY REASON OF THE ISSUANCE THEREOF. 10. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER OUT OF ANY FUNDS AVAILABLE THEREFOR TO PURCHASE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. THE AUTHORITY MAY HOLD, PLEDGE, CANCEL OR RESELL SUCH BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS, SUBJECT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH AGREEMENTS WITH BONDHOLDERS. 11. ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY ARE HEREBY MADE SECURITIES IN WHICH ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS AND BODIES OF THIS STATE AND ALL MUNICIPALITIES AND MUNICIPAL SUBDIVISIONS, ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER PERSONS CARRYING ON AN INSURANCE BUSINESS, ALL BANKS, BANKERS, TRUST COMPANIES, SAVINGS BANKS AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS, INCLUDING SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND OTHER PERSONS CARRYING ON A BANK- ING BUSINESS, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHATSOEVER WHO ARE AUTHORIZED TO INVEST IN BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE, MAY PROPERLY AND LEGALLY INVEST FUNDS INCLUDING CAPITAL IN THEIR CONTROL OR BELONGING TO THEM; SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ANY OTHER GENERAL OR SPECIAL LAW TO THE CONTRARY. 12. THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO OBTAIN FROM ANY DEPARTMENT OR AGEN- CY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE STATE OR ANY NONGOVERNMENTAL INSURER OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ANY INSURANCE, GUARANTY OR OTHER CREDIT SUPPORT DEVICE, TO THE EXTENT AVAILABLE, AS TO, OR FOR THE PAYMENT OR REPAYMENT OF INTEREST OR PRINCIPAL, OR BOTH, OR ANY PART THEREOF, ON ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY AND TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH INSURANCE OR S. 2813--A 13 GUARANTY, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SAME WOULD IN ANY WAY IMPAIR OR INTERFERE WITH THE ABILITY OF THE AUTHORITY TO PERFORM AND FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENT MADE WITH THE HOLDERS OF OUTSTANDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 13. IN ADDITION TO THE POWERS CONFERRED IN THIS SECTION UPON THE AUTHORITY TO SECURE ITS BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO ENTER INTO SUCH AGREEMENTS AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE CONCERNING THE USE OR DISPOSI- TION OF ITS REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR PROPERTY, AND FOR THE ACQUISI- TION, ALTERATION OR DISPOSITION OF ITS PROPERTY, REAL AND PERSONAL, INCLUDING THE MORTGAGING OF ANY OF ITS PROPERTIES AND THE ENTRUSTING, PLEDGING OR CREATION OF ANY OTHER SECURITY INTEREST IN ANY SUCH REVEN- UES, MONEYS OR PROPERTIES AND THE DOING OF ANY ACT, INCLUDING REFRAINING FROM DOING ANY ACT, WHICH THE AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH AGREEMENTS. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO ENTER INTO AMENDMENTS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENTS WITHIN THE POWERS GRANTED TO THE AUTHORITY BY THIS TITLE AND TO PERFORM SUCH AGREEMENTS. THE PROVISIONS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENTS MAY BE MADE A PART OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE HOLDERS OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 14. ALL BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE ARE HEREBY DECLARED TO HAVE ALL THE QUALITIES AND INCIDENTS OF NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE STATE. S 1021-L. STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE ON BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT BE A DEBT OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, AND NEITHER THE STATE NOR ANY MUNI- CIPALITY SHALL BE LIABLE THEREON. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT HAVE THE POWER TO PLEDGE THE CREDIT, THE REVENUES OR THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, AND NEITHER THE CREDIT, THE REVENUES NOR THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY SHALL BE OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE PLEDGED TO THE PAYMENT OF ANY SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY. EACH EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY, SHALL CONTAIN A CLEAR AND EXPLICIT STATEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. S 1021-M. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. THE STATE DOES HEREBY PLEDGE TO AND AGREE WITH THE HOLDERS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THIS TITLE, THAT THE STATE WILL NOT LIMIT OR ALTER THE RIGHTS HEREBY VESTED IN THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH AND COLLECT THE REVENUES AND OTHER CHARGES REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE AND TO FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENTS MADE WITH OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES, OR IN ANY WAY IMPAIR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE BONDHOLDERS UNTIL SUCH SECURITIES ARE FULLY MET AND DISCHARGED. THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO INCLUDE THIS PLEDGE OF THE STATE IN ALL AGREEMENTS BY THE AUTHORITY WITH THE HOLDERS OF ITS SECURITIES. S 1021-N. EXEMPTION OF THE AUTHORITY FROM TAXATION. 1. IT IS HEREBY FOUND AND DECLARED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE AUTHORITY IS PRIMARILY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITIES, COUNTIES AND THE STATE, FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR HEALTH, WELFARE AND PROSPER- ITY, AND IS A PUBLIC PURPOSE, AND THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE REGARDED AS PERFORMING AN ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION IN CARRYING OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. 2. THE PROPERTY OF THE AUTHORITY, AND ITS INCOME AND OPERATIONS SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM TAXATION OR ASSESSMENTS OF EVERY KIND AND NATURE; NOR SHALL THE AUTHORITY BE REQUIRED TO PAY ANY FILING OR RECORDING FEE OR TRANSFER TAX OF ANY KIND ON ACCOUNT OF INSTRUMENTS FILED OR RECORDED BY S. 2813--A 14 IT OR ON ITS BEHALF, PROVIDED THAT NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PREVENT THE AUTHORITY FROM ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS TO MAKE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES WITH THE GOVERNING BODIES OF MUNICIPALITIES OR OTHER LOCAL GOVERN- MENT TAXING ENTITIES. MORTGAGES MADE OR FINANCED (DIRECTLY OR INDIRECT- LY) BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE MORTGAGE RECORDING TAXES IMPOSED BY ARTICLE ELEVEN OF THE TAX LAW. 3. THE SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY, THEIR TRANSFER AND THE INCOME THEREFROM SHALL, AT ALL TIMES, BE FREE FROM TAXATION BY THE STATE OR ANY MUNICIPALITY, EXCEPT FOR ESTATE AND GIFT TAXES. S 1021-O. ACTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1. ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY BE A PARTY IN WHICH ANY QUESTION ARISES AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THIS TITLE OR THE VALUATION OF STOCK OR ASSETS ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN SHALL BE PREFERRED OVER ALL OTHER CIVIL CAUSES IN ALL COURTS OF THE STATE, EXCEPT ELECTION MATTERS, AND SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN PREFERENCE TO ALL OTHER CIVIL BUSINESS PENDING THEREIN, EXCEPT ELECTION MATTERS, IRRESPECTIVE OF POSITION ON THE CALENDAR. THE SAME PREFERENCE SHALL BE GRANTED UPON APPLICATION OF COUNSEL TO THE AUTHORITY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING QUESTIONING THE VALIDITY OF THIS TITLE OR THE VALU- ATION OF STOCK OR ASSETS ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN IN WHICH SUCH COUNSEL MAY BE ALLOWED TO INTERVENE. THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE LAID IN THE SUPREME COURT FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE AUTHORITY IS LOCATED. 2. IN THE EVENT ANY PARTY SHALL APPEAL AN AWARD OF COMPENSATION FOR THE TAKING BY THE AUTHORITY OF STOCK OR ASSETS, SUCH PARTY SHALL POST A BOND IN SUCH AMOUNT, IF ANY, AS THE SUPREME COURT SHALL DEEM APPROPRIATE TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE OTHER PARTY UNDER ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES. 3. AN ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOUNDED ON TORT SHALL NOT BE COMMENCED MORE THAN ONE YEAR AND NINETY DAYS AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION THEREFOR SHALL HAVE ACCRUED, NOR UNLESS A NOTICE OF CLAIM SHALL HAVE BEEN SERVED ON THE AUTHORITY WITHIN THE TIME LIMITED BY, AND IN COMPLI- ANCE WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION FIFTY-E OF THE GENERAL MUNICI- PAL LAW, EXCEPT THAT AN ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOR WRONGFUL DEATH SHALL BE COMMENCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NOTICE OF CLAIM AND TIME LIMI- TATION PROVISIONS OF TITLE ELEVEN OF ARTICLE NINE OF THIS CHAPTER. S 1021-P. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. ALL CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE OF WHATEVER NATURE AND ALL DOCU- MENTS SOLICITING BIDS OR PROPOSALS THEREFOR SHALL CONTAIN OR MAKE REFER- ENCE TO THE FOLLOWING PROVISION: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST EMPLOYEES OR APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF RACE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY OR MARITAL STATUS, AND WILL UNDERTAKE OR CONTINUE EXISTING PROGRAMS OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE THAT MINORITY GROUP PERSONS AND WOMEN ARE AFFORDED EQUAL OPPORTUNITY WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION. SUCH PROGRAMS SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYMENT, JOB ASSIGNMENT, PROMOTION, UPGRADING, DEMOTION, TRANSFER, LAYOFF, TERMI- NATION, RATES OF PAY OR OTHER FORMS OF COMPENSATION, AND SELECTION FOR TRAINING AND RETRAINING, INCLUDING APPRENTICESHIP AND ON-THE-JOB TRAIN- ING. S 1021-Q. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION. 1. THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY, WHILE ACTING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THEIR AUTHORITY AS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES, SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL OR CIVIL LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE EXERCISE, CARRYING OUT OR ADVOCACY OF ANY OF THE AUTHORITY'S PURPOSES OR POWER S. 2813--A 15 UNLESS THE CONDUCT OF THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES IS FINALLY DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO CONSTITUTE INTEN- TIONAL WRONGDOING OR RECKLESSNESS. 2. THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION EIGHTEEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW SHALL APPLY TO DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, SUITS, ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS WHICH MAY BE MADE OR BROUGHT AGAINST ANY OF THEM ARISING OUT OF ANY DETERMINATIONS MADE OR ACTIONS TAKEN OR OMITTED TO BE TAKEN IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY ACTIONS TAKEN PURSUANT TO THE POWERS OF THIS TITLE. 3. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, THE TERMS "DIRECTOR", "OFFICER" AND "EMPLOYEE" SHALL INCLUDE A FORMER DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE AND HIS OR HER ESTATE OR JUDICIALLY APPOINTED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. S 1021-R. POWER TO COMPEL ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES. FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXERCISING ITS POWERS AND PERFORMING ITS DUTIES PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE AND OF SECURING SUCH INFORMATION AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES AND THE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS. THE POWER HEREBY CONFERRED UPON THE AUTHORITY MAY BE EXERCISED BY ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE DIRECTORS IF HE, SHE OR THEY ARE AUTHORIZED SO TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE AUTHORITY BY RESOLUTION OR BY LAW. A SUBPOENA ISSUED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE REGULATED BY THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES. S 1021-S. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. IN ADDITION TO REPORTING THE INFOR- MATION REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISIONS ONE AND TWO OF SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED OF THE PUBLIC AUTHORITIES LAW THE AUTHORITY SHALL SUBMIT A DETAILED REPORT OR REPORTS SETTING FORTH (1) ITS FINANCIAL REPORTS, INCLUDING (I) AUDITED FINANCIALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE REGU- LATIONS AND FOLLOWING GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION TEN OF SECTION TWO OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW, (II) GRANT AND SUBSIDY PROGRAMS, (III) OPERATING AND FINANCIAL RISKS, (IV) CURRENT RATINGS, IF ANY, OF ITS BONDS ISSUED BY RECOGNIZED MUNICIPAL BOND RATING AGENCIES AND NOTICE OF CHANGES IN SUCH RATINGS, AND (V) LONG-TERM LIABILITIES, INCLUDING LEASES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS; (2) ITS MISSION STATEMENT AND MEASUREMENTS INCLUDING ITS MOST RECENT MEAS- UREMENT REPORT; (3) BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION, NOT INCLUDING CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL INFORMATION, FOR ALL DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES; (4) A COPY OF THE LEGISLATION THAT FORMS THE STATUTORY BASIS OF THE AUTHORI- TY; (5) A DESCRIPTION OF THE AUTHORITY AND ITS BOARD STRUCTURE, INCLUD- ING (I) NAMES OF COMMITTEES AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS, (II) LISTS OF BOARD MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE, (III) DESCRIPTIONS OF MAJOR AUTHORITY UNITS, SUBSIDIARIES, AND (IV) NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES; (6) ITS CHARTER, IF ANY, AND BY-LAWS; (7) A LISTING OF MATERIAL CHANGES IN OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS DURING THE REPORTING YEAR; (8) AT A MINIMUM A FOUR-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN, INCLUDING (I) A CURRENT AND PROJECTED CAPITAL BUDGET, AND (II) AN OPER- ATING BUDGET REPORT, INCLUDING AN ACTUAL VERSUS ESTIMATED BUDGET, WITH AN ANALYSIS AND MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE; (9) ITS BOARD PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH EVALU- ATIONS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE UNDER ARTICLE SIX OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW; (10) A DESCRIPTION OF THE TOTAL AMOUNTS OF ASSETS AND/OR SERVICES BOUGHT OR SOLD WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING, INCLUDING (I) THE NATURE OF THOSE ASSETS AND SERVICES, (II) THE NAMES OF THE COUN- TERPARTIES, AND (III) WHERE THE CONTRACT PRICE OR FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR GOODS PURCHASED EXCEEDS A FAIR MARKET VALUE OR WHERE THE CONTRACT PRICE FOR GOODS SOLD IS LESS THAN A FAIR MARKET VALUE, AN ATTESTATION OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE AND A DETAILED EXPLANATION EXECUTED UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE REASONS FOR THE HIGH PRICE PURCHASE OR THE LOAN PRICE SALE INCLUDING S. 2813--A 16 THE RELATIONSHIP, IF ANY, OF PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUYER OR PURCHASER AND PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUTHORITY AND/OR THE OFFICIALS WHO APPOINTED MEMBERS TO THE AUTHORITY BOARD; (11) A DESCRIPTION OF ANY MATERIAL PENDING LITIGATION IN WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS INVOLVED AS A PARTY DURING THE REPORTING YEAR; AND (12) ITS ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT. S 1021-T. WEBSITE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL MAKE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC, VIA ITS OFFICIAL OR SHARED INTERNET WEBSITE, DOCUMENTATION PERTAINING TO ITS MISSION, CURRENT ACTIVITIES, MOST RECENT ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS, CURRENT YEAR BUDGET AND ITS MOST RECENT INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT UNLESS SUCH INFORMATION IS COVERED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION EIGHTY-SEVEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW. S 1021-U. GOVERNANCE. 1. BOARD MEMBERS (A) EXECUTE DIRECT OVERSIGHT OF THE AUTHORITY'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND OTHER MANAGEMENT IN THE EFFECTIVE AND ETHICAL MANAGEMENT OF THE AUTHORITY; (B) UNDERSTAND, REVIEW AND MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FUNDAMENTAL FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT CONTROLS AND OPERATIONAL DECISIONS OF THE AUTHORITY; (C) ESTABLISH POLI- CIES REGARDING THE PAYMENT OF SALARY, COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENTS TO, AND ESTABLISH RULES FOR THE TIME AND ATTENDANCE OF, THE CHIEF EXECU- TIVE AND MANAGEMENT; (D) ADOPT A CODE OF ETHICS APPLICABLE TO EACH OFFI- CER, DIRECTOR AND EMPLOYEE THAT, AT A MINIMUM, INCLUDES THE STANDARDS ESTABLISHED IN SECTION SEVENTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW; (E) ESTABLISH WRITTEN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ON PERSONNEL INCLUDING POLI- CIES PROTECTING EMPLOYEES FROM RETALIATION FOR DISCLOSING INFORMATION CONCERNING ACTS OF WRONGDOING, MISCONDUCT, MALFEASANCE, OR OTHER INAP- PROPRIATE BEHAVIOR BY AN EMPLOYEE OR BOARD MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY, INVESTMENTS, TRAVEL, THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY AND THE DISPOSI- TION OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AND THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES; (F) ADOPT A DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION POLICY AND DISCLOSE SUCH PLAN TO ANY AND ALL PROSPECTIVE BOARD MEMBERS; (G) AT THE TIME THAT THE MEMBER TAKES AND SUBSCRIBES HIS OR HER OATH OF OFFICE, OR WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS PARAGRAPH IF THE MEMBER HAS ALREADY TAKEN AND SUBSCRIBED HIS OR HER OATH OF OFFICE, EXECUTE AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT, IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE AUTHORITY'S BUDGET OFFICE, IN WHICH THE BOARD MEMBER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE OR SHE UNDERSTANDS HIS OR HER ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES IMPOSED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. 2. BOARD MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY, OR SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, SHALL ESTAB- LISH AN AUDIT COMMITTEE TO BE COMPRISED OF NOT LESS THAN THREE INDEPEND- ENT MEMBERS, WHO SHALL CONSTITUTE A MAJORITY ON THE COMMITTEE, AND WHO SHALL POSSESS THE NECESSARY SKILLS TO UNDERSTAND THE DUTIES AND FUNC- TIONS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IN THE EVENT THAT A BOARD HAS LESS THAN THREE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS, THE BOARD MAY APPOINT NON-INDEPENDENT MEMBERS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, PROVIDED THAT THE INDE- PENDENT MEMBERS MUST CONSTITUTE A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE SHALL RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD THE HIRING OF A CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR SUCH AUTHORITY, ESTABLISH THE COMPENSATION TO BE PAID TO THE ACCOUNTING FIRM AND PROVIDE DIRECT OVER- SIGHT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDIT PERFORMED BY THE ACCOUNTING FIRM HIRED FOR SUCH PURPOSES. MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE SHALL BE FAMILIAR WITH CORPORATE FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING PRACTICES. 3. BOARD MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY, OR SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, SHALL ESTAB- LISH A GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE TO BE COMPRISED OF NOT LESS THAN THREE INDE- PENDENT MEMBERS, WHO SHALL CONSTITUTE A MAJORITY ON THE COMMITTEE, AND WHO SHALL POSSESS THE NECESSARY SKILLS TO UNDERSTAND THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IN THE EVENT THAT A BOARD HAS LESS THAN THREE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS, THE BOARD S. 2813--A 17 MAY APPOINT NON-INDEPENDENT MEMBERS TO THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE, PROVIDED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS MUST CONSTITUTE A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE TO KEEP THE BOARD INFORMED OF CURRENT BEST GOVERNANCE PRACTICES; TO REVIEW CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TRENDS; TO RECOMMEND UPDATES TO THE AUTHORITY'S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES; TO ADVISE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES ON THE SKILLS AND EXPERI- ENCES REQUIRED OF POTENTIAL BOARD MEMBERS; TO EXAMINE ETHICAL AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST ISSUES; TO PERFORM BOARD SELF-EVALUATIONS; AND TO RECOMMEND BY-LAWS WHICH INCLUDE RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCT OF BOARD BUSINESS. S 1021-V. SUBSIDIARIES. 1. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY LAW TO THE CONTRARY, NO STATE AUTHORITY SHALL HEREAFTER HAVE THE POWER TO ORGANIZE ANY SUBSID- IARY CORPORATION UNLESS THE LEGISLATURE SHALL HAVE ENACTED A LAW GRANT- ING SUCH STATE AUTHORITY SUCH POWER FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF A SPECIFIC CORPORATION, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT A STATE AUTHORITY MAY ORGANIZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION PURSUANT TO THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: (A) THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL BE ORGAN- IZED SHALL BE FOR A PROJECT OR PROJECTS WHICH THE STATE AUTHORITY HAS THE POWER TO PURSUE PURSUANT TO ITS CORPORATE PURPOSES; (B) THE PRIMARY REASON FOR WHICH THE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL BE ORGANIZED SHALL BE TO LIMIT THE POTENTIAL LIABILITY IMPACT OF THE SUBSIDIARY'S PROJECT OR PROJECTS ON THE AUTHORITY OR BECAUSE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT THE PURPOSE OF A SUBSIDIARY BE UNDERTAKEN THROUGH A SPECIFIC CORPORATE STRUCTURE; AND (C) THE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL MAKE THE REPORTS AND OTHER DISCLOSURES AS ARE REQUIRED OF STATE AUTHORITIES, UNLESS THE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION'S OPERATIONS AND FINANCES ARE CONSOLIDATED WITH THOSE OF THE AUTHORITY OF WHICH IT IS A SUBSIDIARY. 2. IN SUCH CASES WHERE A STATE AUTHORITY HAS THE POWER TO ORGANIZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE AUTHORITY SHALL FILE, NO LESS THAN SIXTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE FORMA- TION OF SUCH SUBSIDIARY, NOTICE TO THE AUTHORITY'S BUDGET OFFICE, THE GOVERNOR, THE COMPTROLLER, AND THE LEGISLATURE THAT IT WILL BE CREATING A SUBSIDIARY. 3. SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS FORMED UNDER SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION SHALL NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBTS, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS MAY ISSUE NOTES OR OTHER DEBTS TO THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF WHICH IT IS A SUBSID- IARY. NO SUCH DEBT ISSUED BY THE SUBSIDIARY TO ITS PARENT AUTHORITY SHALL IN TOTAL EXCEED, AT ANY TIME, A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS OR, DURING THE NINE MONTHS AFTER THE FORMATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY, ONE MILLION DOLLARS. 4. THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OR OTHER DOCUMENT FILED TO ORGAN- IZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL STATE THAT THE STATE AUTHORITY IS THE PERSON ORGANIZING THE CORPORATION. 5. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO GRANT AN AUTHORITY THE POWER TO CREATE A SUBSIDIARY WHERE THE AUTHOR- ITY DOES NOT OTHERWISE HAVE THE POWER TO DO SO. 6. ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, TWO THOUSAND TEN, AND ANNU- ALLY ON SUCH DAY THEREAFTER, ANY SUBSIDIARY PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, IN COOPERATION WITH ITS PARENT PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, SHALL PROVIDE TO THE CHAIR AND RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE CHAIR AND RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, A REPORT ON THE SUBSIDIARY PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION. SUCH REPORT SHALL INCLUDE FOR EACH SUBSIDIARY: S. 2813--A 18 (A) THE COMPLETE LEGAL NAME, ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY; (B) THE STRUCTURE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY, INCLUDING THE NAMES AND TITLES OF EACH OF ITS MEMBERS, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS, AS WELL AS A CHART OF ITS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE; (C) THE COMPLETE BYLAWS AND LEGAL ORGANIZATION PAPERS OF THE SUBSID- IARY; (D) A COMPLETE REPORT OF THE PURPOSE, OPERATIONS, MISSION AND PROJECTS OF THE SUBSIDIARY, INCLUDING A STATEMENT OF JUSTIFICATION AS TO WHY THE SUBSIDIARY IS NECESSARY TO CONTINUE ITS OPERATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC BENE- FIT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; AND (E) ANY OTHER INFORMATION THE SUBSIDIARY PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION DEEMS IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE IN SUCH REPORT. S 1021-W. WHISTLEBLOWER. 1. THE DIRECTOR OF THE AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SHALL DEVELOP AND RECOMMEND TO THE LEGISLATURE A WHISTLEBLOWER ACCESS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WHICH SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: (A) ESTABLISHING TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE AND FACSIMILE LINES AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES; (B) OFFERING ADVICE REGARDING THE EMPLOYEE'S RIGHTS UNDER APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS AND ADVICE AND OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL PERSONS; AND (C) OFFERING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEES TO IDENTIFY CONCERNS REGARD- ING ANY ISSUE AT THE AUTHORITY. 2. ANY COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN AN EMPLOYEE AND THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE HELD STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL BY THE AUTHORITY, UNLESS THE EMPLOYEE SPECIFICALLY WAIVES IN WRITING THE RIGHT TO CONFI- DENTIALITY. 3. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT FIRE, DISCHARGE, DEMOTE, SUSPEND, THREATEN, HARASS OR DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE BECAUSE OF THE EMPLOYEE'S ROLE AS A WHISTLEBLOWER, INSOFAR AS THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE ARE LEGAL. S 1021-X. LOBBYING CONTACTS. 1. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS SECTION: (A) "LOBBYING" SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANING AS DEFINED IN SECTION ONE-C OF THE LEGISLATIVE LAW. (B) "LOBBYING CONTACT" SHALL MEAN ANY CONVERSATION, IN PERSON OR BY TELEPHONIC OR OTHER REMOTE MEANS, OR CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN ANY LOBBYIST AND ANY PERSON WITHIN A STATE AUTHORITY WHO CAN MAKE OR INFLUENCE A DECISION ON ANY MATTER ON BEHALF OF THE STATE AUTHORITY, AND SHALL INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, ALL MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD AND ALL OFFI- CERS OF THE STATE AUTHORITY. (C) "LOBBYIST" SHALL MEAN ANY PERSON WHO CONTACTS A STATE AUTHORITY IN AN EFFORT TO OBTAIN FAVORABLE ACTION BY THE AUTHORITY ON ANY MATTER ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL MAINTAIN A RECORD OF ALL LOBBYING CONTACTS MADE WITH SUCH AUTHORITY. 3. EVERY MEMBER, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY WHO IS THE PERSON CONTACTED BY A LOBBYIST SHALL MAKE A CONTEMPORANEOUS RECORD OF SUCH CONTACT CONTAINING THE DAY AND TIME OF THE CONTACT, THE IDENTITY OF THE LOBBYIST, AND A GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE SUBSTANCE OF THE CONTACT. SUCH PERSON SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A RECORD OF THE RECEIPT OF DOCUMENTARY LOBBYING CONTACTS IF THE DOCUMENT OR A COPY THEREOF IS KEPT IN A FILE RELATING TO LOBBYING CONTACTS. 4. THE AUTHORITY SHALL ADOPT A POLICY IMPLEMENTING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION. SUCH POLICY SHALL APPOINT AN OFFICER TO WHOM ALL SUCH RECORDS SHALL BE DELIVERED. SUCH OFFICER SHALL MAINTAIN SUCH RECORDS FOR S. 2813--A 19 NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS IN A FILING SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ORGANIZE SUCH RECORDS IN A MANNER SO AS TO MAKE SUCH RECORDS USEFUL TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE DECISIONS OF THE AUTHORITY WERE INFLUENCED BY LOBBYING CONTACTS. S 1021-Y. PREVAILING WAGE. WHENEVER THE AUTHORITY ENTERS INTO ANY CONTRACT, SUBCONTRACT, LEASE, GRANT, BOND, COVENANT OR OTHER AGREEMENT FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVE- MENT PROJECT, SUCH PROJECT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW, AND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO ALL THE WORK INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCA- VATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVEMENT OF SUCH PROJECT. FUNDS, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, OR ANY OTHER BENEFITS PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE UTILIZED FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCA- VATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVEMENT OF ANY PROJECT TO WHICH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW ARE NOT APPLICABLE. S 1021-Z. PERIODIC REVIEW BY LEGISLATURE FOR CONTINUATION OR TERMI- NATION. BEGINNING IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND FIFTY, AND NOT MORE THAN ONCE EVERY TEN YEARS THEREAFTER, THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, NOT TO EXCEED THREE MONTHS FROM COMMENCEMENT TO CONCLUSION, OF THE STRUCTURE, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE NCPA, AND THE NCPA SHALL PROVIDE SUCH RECORDS, REPORTS AND TESTI- MONY AS THE LEGISLATURE MAY REQUEST TO ASSIST IN THE CONDUCT OF THIS REVIEW. UPON THE CONCLUSION OF EACH SUCH COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, THE LEGISLATURE MAY IN ITS DISCRETION DETERMINE TO TERMINATE THE AUTHORITY BY ENACTMENT INTO LAW, AND SIGNATURE BY THE GOVERNOR OF A STATUTE REPEALING THIS TITLE AS OF A DATE CERTAIN, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-M OF THIS TITLE AND THE TERMS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBT OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING. SUCH STATUTE SHALL, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ASSIGN THE AUTHORITY'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSI- BILITIES AND DISPOSE OF ITS ASSETS TO THE STATE OR A SUBDIVISION THERE- OF. IN THE EVENT THAT THE LEGISLATURE DOES NOT SO DETERMINE AND SO ENACT, THE CORPORATE EXISTENCE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONTINUE INDEFI- NITELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-AA. SEVERABILITY. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE ARE SEVERABLE, AND IF ANY CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, ACTION OR PART OF THIS TITLE, OR THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO ANY PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE, SHALL BE ADJUDGED BY ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE, SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT, IMPAIR OR INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER OF THIS TITLE OR THE APPLICATION OF SUCH PROVISION TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT SHALL BE CONFINED IN ITS OPERATION TO THE CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, SECTION OR PART THEREOF OR PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE CONTROVERSY IN WHICH SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL HAVE BEEN RENDERED. S 2. Paragraph (b) of subdivision 11 of section 310 of the executive law, as amended by chapter 628 of the laws of 2003, is amended to read as follows: (b) the following: Albany County Airport Authority; Albany Port District Commission; Alfred, Almond, Hornellsville Sewer Authority; Battery Park City Authority; Cayuga County Water and Sewer Authority; S. 2813--A 20 (Nelson A. Rockefeller) Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation; Industrial Exhibit Authority; Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority; Long Island Power Authority; Long Island Rail Road; Long Island Market Authority; Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority; Metro-North Commuter Railroad; Metropolitan Suburban Bus Authority; Metropolitan Transportation Authority; Natural Heritage Trust; New York City Transit Authority; New York Convention Center Operating Corporation; New York State Bridge Authority; New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority; New York State Thruway Authority; NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY; Niagara Falls Public Water Authority; Niagara Falls Water Board; Port of Oswego Authority; Power Authority of the State of New York; Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation; Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority; State Insurance Fund; Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority; State University Construction Fund; Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Upper Mohawk valley regional water board. Upper Mohawk valley regional water finance authority. Upper Mohawk valley memorial auditorium authority. Urban Development Corporation and its subsidiary corporations. S 3. This act shall take effect immediately; provided that the amend- ments to paragraph (b) of subdivision 11 of section 310 of the executive law made by section two of this act shall not affect the expiration of such section and shall expire and be deemed repealed therewith.
Co-Sponsors
Joseph A. Griffo
(R, C) 53rd Senate District
Betty Little
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
S2813B - Details
- See Assembly Version of this Bill:
- A6694
- Law Section:
- Public Authorities Law
- Laws Affected:
- Add Art 5 Title 1-B §§1021 - 1021-s, amd §51, Pub Auth L
S2813B - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER: S2813B TITLE OF BILL : An act to amend the public authorities law and the executive law, in relation to establishing the North Country power authority, and providing for its powers and duties PURPOSE OF BILL : To create a public benefit corporation, a political subdivision of the state, to provide electric power services to designated municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS : Establishes the North Country Power Authority to provide electric power services to designated municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, to be governed by a board of directors with overlapping terms, with enumerated powers to acquire, own, operate and finance facilities to provide electric power services, to issue bonds of up to 50 years and notes and other debt obligations of up to 5 years, which securities are to be general obligations of the authority without any state or municipal liability, permitting sale of surplus power and establishment of subsidiaries, subjecting the authority to conflict of interest prohibitions, deposit and investment controls, annual auditing and reporting to state and local officials and the public, and mandating periodic legislative reviews starting in 2050 and discretionary termination through statute after each such review
subject to terms of the authority's securities, together with attendant provisions for implementing and conducting its financing and operating responsibilities. JUSTIFICATION : Enabling legislation is essential to establish a public power utility to finance and operate a municipal electric system serving a group of 24 municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, all of which have endorsed the creation of the authority and the proposed legislation. These counties in the North Country constitute an area where economic growth has been lagging for years and one that faces very high rates for electric services to residential and commercial consumers. The affected municipalities are committed to securing lower electricity rates, greater service reliability, local public control and future emphasis on energy, conservation and sustainability through this new public power utility, built on a model common in this country. The public authority is necessary to provide financing, which would be stand-alone revenue bonding without any recourse to the state or the municipalities. The act, is replete with good governance provisions, financial discipline measures, transparency and reporting requirements, and accountability to the governor, the legislature, the municipalities and the public to be served. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY : S.8257-A - 2008 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None. LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None. EFFECTIVE DATE : Immediate.
S2813B - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 2813--B 2009-2010 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E March 3, 2009 ___________ Introduced by Sens. AUBERTINE, GRIFFO, LITTLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications -- reported favorably from said committee and committed to the Committee on Finance -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit- tee -- recommitted to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit- tee AN ACT to amend the public authorities law and the executive law, in relation to establishing the North Country power authority, and providing for its powers and duties THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Article 5 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new title 1-B to read as follows: TITLE 1-B NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SECTION 1021. SHORT TITLE. 1021-A. DECLARATION OF LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. 1021-B. DEFINITIONS. 1021-C. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SERVICE AREA; EXTENSION OF SERVICE AREA. 1021-D. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY. 1021-E. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-F. DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-G. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. 1021-H. SALE OF SURPLUS POWER. 1021-I. SUBSIDIARIES. 1021-J. AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 1021-K. BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD07083-11-0
S. 2813--B 2 1021-L. STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE ON BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. 1021-M. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. 1021-N. EXEMPTION OF THE AUTHORITY FROM TAXATION. 1021-O. ACTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1021-P. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. 1021-Q. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION. 1021-R. POWER TO COMPEL ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES. 1021-S. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. 1021-T. WEBSITE. 1021-U. GOVERNANCE. 1021-V. SUBSIDIARIES. 1021-W. WHISTLEBLOWER. 1021-X. LOBBYING CONTACTS. 1021-Y. PREVAILING WAGE. 1021-Z. PERIODIC REVIEW BY LEGISLATURE FOR CONTINUATION OR TERMINATION. 1021-AA. SEVERABILITY. S 1021. SHORT TITLE. THIS TITLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE "NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ACT". S 1021-A. DECLARATION OF LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. THE LEGIS- LATURE HEREBY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE ELECTRIC POWER IS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE NORTH COUNTRY. TOWNS AND VILLAGES THROUGHOUT FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUN- TIES HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING LIMITED ECONOMIC EXPANSION FOR A CONSIDER- ABLE TIME. EXCESSIVE AND ESCALATING COSTS OF ELECTRICITY IN MANY OF THE MUNICIPALITIES IN SUCH COUNTIES POSE A SEVERE AND PROLONGED THREAT TO THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING, HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS AND TO SUSTAINING EXISTING COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS UNDERMINING THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPING NEW AND EXPANDED BUSINESSES AND MORE JOBS FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE'S NORTHERNMOST COUNTIES. THE COST OF POWER IS A MAJOR ONGOING EXPENSE TO BOTH HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES. THE COST TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS ANOTHER FACTOR, AT RISK TODAY AND FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, AS CLEAN ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION BECOME EVER MORE IMPORTANT TO MAINTAINING ACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL QUAL- ITY. THE SERVICE AREA COVERS A LARGE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, CREATING AN OPPOR- TUNITY FOR AFFORDING CAREFUL PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH IS INTEGRAL TO PUBLIC MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA'S CRITICAL POWER DELIVERY SYSTEM. SIMULTANEOUSLY, LOWER COST AND MORE RELIABLE TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY WOULD HELP CREATE ECONOMIC STIMULUS FOR THE AREA AND PROVIDE A WELCOME BENEFIT TO RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES. ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE ENERGY SYSTEMS ARE NECESSARY IN THE NORTH COUNTRY TO PROTECT AGAINST DEGRADATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE RESULT FROM THE GENERATION, DELIVERY AND CONSUMPTION OF ELEC- TRIC POWER. ELECTRICAL UTILITIES MUST ENDEAVOR DIRECTLY TO CONSERVE AND PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH THEIR INVESTMENT IN AND INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF GENERATION AND DELIVERY TECHNOLOGY. ELECTRICAL UTILI- TIES MUST ALSO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS CONSUMERS TO ENGAGE IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION. PROGRAMS TO BE CONSIDERED SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE FUEL RESOURCES SUCH AS SOLAR, WIND, HYDRO AND BIOFUEL ENERGY; GREEN TECHNOLOGY TO MINIMIZE ADVERSE IMPACTS ON LAND, WATER AND AIR; AND IMPROVED PROGRAMS IN THE AREAS OF EFFICIENCY, DISTRIBUTED GENERATION, NET METERING AND DEMAND RESPONSE. NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND RESOURCES IN THE POWER INDUSTRY MUST BE CONSIDERED FOR IMPLEMENTATION AS THEY BECOME S. 2813--B 3 AVAILABLE IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY BY ELECTRICITY ENTERPRISES AND CONSUMERS. A NUMBER OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN THE COUNTIES OF ST. LAWRENCE AND FRANKLIN NOW FACE A NEED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. THEY HAVE ALSO EXPE- RIENCED HIGH RATES AND LOW RELIABILITY FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE. SUCH MUNI- CIPALITIES HAVE COME TOGETHER IN A WORKING ALLIANCE TO ADDRESS THEIR POWER SUPPLY CONCERNS AND TO FORMULATE POWER PLANS, BUT THAT ALLIANCE LACKS THE KINDS OF LEGAL AND FINANCIAL POWERS TO SUCCESSFULLY ACCOMPLISH THE OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL STEPS NECESSARY TO MOVE FORWARD THAT ONLY A PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY CAN ACHIEVE. ASSURING AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY IN A RELIABLE, EFFICIENT, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANNER IS HEREBY DETERMINED TO BE A MATTER OF STATE CONCERN WITHIN THE MEANING OF PARAGRAPH THREE OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF SECTION THREE OF ARTI- CLE NINE OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION. SUCH MATTERS OF STATE CONCERN CAN BEST BE DEALT WITH BY ESTABLISHING A SINGLE-PURPOSE AUTHORITY DEDICATED TO THE PROVISION OF ELECTRICITY, WITH LIMITED POWERS AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNANCE, TO SERVE DEFINED AREAS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. SUCH AUTHORITIES EXIST IN THE STATE AND NATION, AND CONSTITUTE A MUNICIPAL POWER INDUSTRY THAT IS WELL ESTABLISHED AND HIGHLY REGARDED. SUCH PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY WOULD, FIRST AND FOREMOST, FURTHER THE PUBLIC INTEREST EXCLUSIVELY, SERVING ITS CITIZENS, INCLUDING ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES, WITH THE FUNDA- MENTAL GOOD THAT ELECTRICITY CONSTITUTES THROUGH MANAGEMENT OF A PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. AMONG BENEFITS PROJECTED OVER THE LONG TERM WOULD BE LOWER ELECTRIC RATES, HIGHER INVESTMENT AND BETTER PERFORMANCE OF ALL COMPONENTS OF THE ELECTRICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM. MOREOVER, IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SUPPLANTING OF INVESTOR OWNED, PRIVATE, FOR-PROFIT UTILITY CORPORATIONS BY SUCH AN AUTHORITY WILL RESULT IN AN IMPROVED SYSTEM AND A SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT, RELIABLE AND ECONOMICAL SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC ENERGY. READILY AVAILABLE CLEAN AND LOWER COST ELECTRICITY WILL IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE SERVICE AREA. THE LEGISLATURE FURTHER FINDS THAT SUCH AN AUTHORITY WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE STEWARD OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN MEETING ITS POWER RESPONSIBILITIES, PLACING A PRIORITY ON THE SAFEKEEPING AND PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING ALTERNATIVE, CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AS NEW TECHNOLOGIES EVOLVE AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES APPEAR. S 1021-B. DEFINITIONS. AS USED OR REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE, UNLESS A DIFFERENT MEANING CLEARLY APPEARS FROM THE CONTEXT: 1. "ACQUIRE" MEANS, WITH RESPECT TO ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN OR TO ANY PROPERTY, EITHER THE ACT OF TAKING BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN, OR THE ACQUISITION BY PURCHASE OR OTHERWISE. 2. "ACT" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ACT, BEING THIS TITLE. 3. "AUTHORITY" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED BY SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-D OF THIS TITLE. 4. "COMPTROLLER" MEANS THE STATE COMPTROLLER. 5. "DIRECTORS" MEAN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY. 6. "FEDERAL GOVERNMENT" MEANS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND ANY AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY, CORPORATE OR OTHERWISE, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 7. "FINAL DETERMINATION" OR "FINALLY DETERMINED" MEANS A JUDICIAL DECISION (A) BY THE HIGHEST COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, OR (B) BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FROM WHICH NO APPEAL HAS BEEN TAKEN AND THE TIME WITHIN WHICH TO APPEAL HAS EXPIRED. 8. "NCPA" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND THEIR SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. S. 2813--B 4 9. "MUNICIPALITY" MEANS ANY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN, VILLAGE, MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, SCHOOL DISTRICT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, INCLUDING ANY AGENCY, AUTHORITY OR PUBLIC CORPORATION OF THE STATE OR ANY OF THE FOREGOING, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF, OTHER THAN THE AUTHORITY. 10. "PROPERTY" MEANS THE POWER TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENER- ATION SYSTEM OR SYSTEMS OF THE AUTHORITY, WHETHER COMPLETED FACILITIES OR PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION, WHETHER SITUATED WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING THE PLANTS, WORKS, STRUCTURES, POLES, LINES, CONDUITS, MAINS, SYSTEMS, INSTRUMENTALITIES OR PARTS THEREOF AND APPURTENANCES THERETO, LANDS, FRANCHISES AND INTEREST IN LAND, INCLUDING LANDS UNDER WATER AND RIPARIAN RIGHTS, SPACE RIGHTS AND AIR RIGHTS, CONTRACT RIGHTS, SUBSTATIONS, TRANSMISSION FACILITIES, SUBTRANSMISSION FACILITIES, AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES, OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY INCIDENTAL TO AND INCLUDED IN SUCH SYSTEM OR PART THEREOF, AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS, EXTENSIONS OR BETTERMENTS. THE TERM "PROPERTY" SHALL ALSO INCLUDE ANY AND ALL INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY LESS THAN FULL TITLE, SUCH AS 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, AND ALSO ALL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES RELATED TO SUCH REAL ESTATE. 11. "REVENUES" MEANS ALL RATES, RENTS, FEES, CHARGES, PAYMENTS AND OTHER INCOME AND RECEIPTS DERIVED BY THE AUTHORITY FROM THE OPERATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY OTHER THAN THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALES OF ITS SECURITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INVESTMENT PROCEEDS AND PROCEEDS OF INSURANCE, CONDEMNATION, AND SALES OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF ASSETS, TOGETHER WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE OR MUNICIPAL AID. 12. "SECURITY" MEANS ANY BOND, NOTE OR OTHER OBLIGATION ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY. 13. "STATE" MEANS THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 14. "STATE AGENCY" MEANS ANY BOARD, AUTHORITY, AGENCY, DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, PUBLIC CORPORATION, BODY POLITIC OR INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE STATE. S 1021-C. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SERVICE AREA; EXTENSION OF SERVICE AREA. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE ALL THE TERRITORY LOCATED WITHIN SO MUCH OF THE COUNTY OF FRANKLIN AS CONSTITUTES THE TOWNS OF BOMBAY, FORT COVINGTON, MOIRA AND WESTVILLE: AND SO MUCH OF THE COUNTY OF ST. LAWRENCE AS CONSTITUTES THE TOWNS OF BRASHER, CANTON, COLTON, DEKALB, EDWARDS, FOWLER, GOUVERNEUR, HERMON, LISBON, LOUISVILLE, MADRID, NORFOLK, PIERREPONT, POTSDAM, RUSSELL, STOCKHOLM, AND WADDINGTON AND THE VILLAGES OF CANTON, NORWOOD, AND POTSDAM OR SUCH SUCH PORTIONS THEREOF AS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, BUT THE SERVICE AREA SHALL EXCLUDE THE PORTIONS OF SAID MUNI- CIPALITIES IN FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES WHICH ARE SERVED AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS TITLE BY ANOTHER EXISTING NON-PROFIT MUNICI- PAL ELECTRIC UTILITY. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE SUCH OTHER TERRITORIES, AS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, WHOLLY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, AND ADJACENT TO ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED MUNICIPALITIES, IN WHICH RATE PAYERS RELY ON UNINTERRUPTED ELECTRIC SERVICE FROM POWER FACILITIES OF THE AUTHORITY LOCATED WITHIN SAID MUNICIPALITIES. A MAP OF THE SERVICE AREA SHALL BE FILED IN THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY CLERKS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY MAY BE EXTENDED AT ANY TIME TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. S. 2813--B 5 LAWRENCE COUNTIES BY THE DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE. WHENEVER THE DIRECTORS DETERMINE THAT THE TERRITORY INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA SHOULD BE EXTENDED, CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, THE DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT A RESOLUTION PROPOS- ING THE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY, WHOLLY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, TO BE INCLUDED, WHICH MAY BE ALL THE TERRITORY WITHIN ONE OR MORE NAMED MUNICIPALITIES OR, BY ADEQUATE DESCRIPTION, A PORTION OF ANY SUCH MUNICIPALITY OR MUNICIPALITIES. THE DIRECTORS SHALL FIX THE DATES, HOURS AND PLACES FOR THREE PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE SUCH DIRECTORS UPON THE QUESTION OF SUCH EXTENSION AND CAUSE NOTICE THEREOF AND OF THE ADDI- TIONAL TERRITORY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA TO BE PUBLISHED IN TWO NEWSPAPERS OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE COUNTY NOT LESS THAN TWENTY NOR MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS BEFORE SUCH DATE. AT LEAST ONE OF SUCH HEARING SHALL BE HELD WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL TERRITORY. AT SUCH TIME THE DIRECTORS SHALL HEAR ALL PERSONS, TAXPAYERS OR OFFICIALS WHO MAY WISH TO BE HEARD AND SHALL FINALLY DETERMINE THE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY, IF ANY, TO BE INCLUDED IN SUCH EXTENSION. SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL BE MADE BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS ADOPTED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF ALL DIRECTORS THEN IN OFFICE. A MAP OF THE SERVICE AREA, AS EXTENDED, SHALL THEREUPON BE FILED IN THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY CLERKS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. S 1021-D. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY. 1. A CORPORATION KNOWN AS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSES DECLARED IN SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-A OF THIS TITLE AND CHARGED WITH THE DUTIES AND HAVING THE POWERS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE A BODY CORPORATE AND POLITIC CONSTITUTING A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, EXER- CISING GOVERNMENTAL AND PUBLIC POWERS, PERPETUAL IN DURATION, CAPABLE OF SUING AND BEING SUED AND HAVING A SEAL, AND WHICH SHALL HAVE THE POWERS AND DUTIES ENUMERATED IN THIS TITLE, TOGETHER WITH SUCH OTHERS AS MAY BE CONFERRED UPON IT BY LAW. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTING OF NINE DIRECTORS, TO BE RESIDENTS OF THE SERVICE AREA, AND TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. SEVEN SUCH DIRECTORS SHALL BE APPOINTED UPON DESIGNATION OF THE SUPERVISORS AND MAYORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE FOLLOWING REGIONS, WITH THE DESIGNATIONS TO BE MADE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: THE VILLAGE OF POTSDAM WILL DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE VILLAGE OF CANTON AND THE TOWN OF CANTON WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF BOMBAY, BRASHER, FORT COVINGTON, MOIRA AND WESTVILLE WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF FOWLER AND GOUVERNEUR WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF LISBON, LOUISVILLE, MADRID, NORFOLK AND WADDINGTON WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF POTSDAM, STOCKHOLM, COLTON AND THE VILLAGE OF NORWOOD WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; AND THE TOWNS OF DEKALB, EDWARDS, HERMON, RUSSELL AND PIERREPONT WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR. EVERY DECADE THE DIRECTORS SHALL EXAMINE THE POPULATION OF THE SEVEN REGIONS, AND IF NEEDED, ADJUST THE MAKE-UP OR DEMARCATION OF THE REGIONS, FOR THE NECESSITY OR CONVENIENCE OF PERFORM- ING ITS FUNCTIONS AND ADMINISTERING ITS AFFAIRS AND TO MAINTAIN A REASONABLE EQUALITY OF POPULATION BETWEEN THE REGIONS. THE GOVERNOR SHALL SELECT ONE OF THE DIRECTORS TO SERVE AS CHAIR, AND SUCH CHAIR SHALL SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR. THE TERM OF OFFICE OF A DIRECTOR, INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR SERVING AS CHAIR, SHALL BE FIVE YEARS, S. 2813--B 6 BUT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE SUCH DIRECTORS SHALL BE APPOINTED TO HOLD OFFICE AS FOLLOWS: THREE FOR ONE YEAR; THREE FOR THREE YEARS; AND THREE FOR FIVE YEARS. UPON RESIGNATION OF A DIRECTOR, OR A VACANCY OCCURRING IN ANY OTHER MANNER, SUCH VACANCY SHALL BE FILLED BY APPOINTMENT FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM. IN OTHER RESPECTS, ALL VACANCIES SHALL BE FILLED IN THE MANNER CORRESPONDING TO THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL CONTINUE TO HOLD OFFICE AND SERVE UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED, QUALI- FIED AND ASSUMES OFFICE. 3. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A PER DIEM PAYMENT FOR EVERY DAY OF ACTUAL SERVICE TO THE NCPA, THE AMOUNT OF SAID PER DIEM TO BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, BUT NOT TO EXCEED FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER ANNUM, ANNUALLY ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL ALSO BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR ACTUAL AND REASONABLE DIRECT EXPENSES, AS MAY BE AUTHORIZED BY THE DIRECTORS, IN EACH CASE UPON APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION BY THE SUBMITTING DIRECTOR. NO DIRECTOR OR ANY ENTITY, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH IS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY ANY DIRECTOR, SHALL RECEIVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FROM NCPA OR BE EMPLOYED BY NCPA IN ANY OTHER CAPACITY BY WHATEVER MEANS. 4. FIVE DIRECTORS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS, AND THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF FIVE DIRECTORS AT A MEETING SHALL BE NECESSARY TO THE VALIDITY OF ANY RESOLUTION, ORDER OR DETERMINATION. THE DIRECTORS, IN BY-LAWS OR BY RESOLUTION, MAY ALLOW FOR ATTENDANCE AT A MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS BY SPEAKER PHONE OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS BY WHICH ALL MEETING PARTICIPANTS CAN HEAR ONE ANOTHER. 5. THE DIRECTORS SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF NOT LESS THAN THREE DIRECTORS AND SHALL DELEGATE SUCH DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AS IT MAY DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME, EXCEPT THAT THE DIRECTORS SHALL NOT DELEGATE TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THE POWER TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES. THE DIREC- TORS MAY APPOINT SUCH ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES WITH SUCH DUTIES AND RESPON- SIBILITIES AS THEY MAY DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME. 6. THE DIRECTORS SHALL FROM TIME TO TIME SELECT SUCH OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SUCH ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL OFFICERS, AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUD- ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACCOUNTING, PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION, FINANCE, APPRAISAL, BANKING AND TRUSTEE SERVICES, AS THE DIRECTORS MAY REQUIRE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES AND SHALL PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES AND COMPENSATION OF EACH SUCH OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE. 7. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBJECT IN ALL RESPECTS TO THE GENERAL SUPERVISION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION IN THE SAME MANNER AS A MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITY IS SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION UNDER THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW. 8. THE AUTHORITY AND ITS CORPORATE EXISTENCE SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED BY LAW, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION NINE OF THIS SECTION AND SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-S OF THIS TITLE, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO SUCH LAW SHALL TAKE EFFECT SO LONG AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE SECURITIES OUTSTANDING, UNLESS ADEQUATE PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF. 9. IN THE EVENT THAT THE AUTHORITY DOES NOT COMMENCE EITHER ONE OR MORE OF TRANSMITTING, DELIVERING AND GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER WITHIN TEN YEARS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY SHALL CEASE TO EXIST AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE SHALL BE OF NO FURTHER FORCE AND EFFECT, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-M OF THIS TITLE AND THE TERMS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBT OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING. S. 2813--B 7 S 1021-E. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE POWERS CONFERRED BY THIS TITLE SHALL BE EXERCISED BY THE DIRECTORS, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THIS TITLE. IN THE EXERCISE OF THOSE POWERS, EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH ITS OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, THE DIRECTORS MAY DO THE FOLLOWING THINGS, AMONG OTHERS, AND THE FOLLOWING LIST OF POWERS SHALL NOT BE DEEMED COMPLETE OR EXCLUSIVE, OR TO DENY THE EXISTENCE OF OTHER POWERS, WHETHER SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT, SO LONG AS THEY ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE PURPOSES DECLARED AND INDICATED IN THIS TITLE: 1. TO MAKE AND ALTER BY-LAWS FOR THE REGULATION OF ITS AFFAIRS AND CONDUCT OF ITS ACTIVITIES, TO SCHEDULE ANNUAL, REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEET- INGS OF THE DIRECTORS, AS THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF THE AUTHORITY MAY WARRANT, AND TO ADOPT AND AMEND AN OFFICIAL SEAL; 2. TO DEVELOP, ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, RECONSTRUCT, REHABILITATE AND IMPROVE FACILITIES FOR THE TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION OR GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER OR ANY CONNECTED SERVICE; 3. TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION, TYPE, SIZE, CONSTRUCTION, LEASE, PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, ACQUISITION, USE AND OPERATION OF ANY FACILITIES OR OTHER STRUCTURE OR PROPERTY, WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE SERVICE AREA; 4. TO INVESTIGATE, IMPLEMENT AND INTEGRATE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PRACTICABLE AND ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE, SUCH RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT INTENDED TO REDUCE POWER DEMAND AND USAGE, UTILIZE GREEN TECHNOLOGIES, ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE FUELS, DISTRIBUTED GENERATION, NET METERING AND DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAMS, ALL AS INTEGRAL ELEMENTS IN ITS INVESTMENTS IN NEW PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION AND GENERATION OF POWER, AND IN ITS MARKETING AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY TO CONSUMERS; 5. TO ACQUIRE ON BEHALF OF AND IN THE NAME OF THE AUTHORITY, WHETHER BY AGREEMENT WITH AND PURCHASE FROM THE OWNER OR OWNERS, OR BY ARBI- TRATION, OR WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA BY EMINENT DOMAIN, PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN THE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURE LAW, OR BY LEASE, THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF ANY EXISTING FACILITIES OR OF ANY OTHER PROPER- TY TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH POWER TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION OR GENERATION BY THE AUTHORITY AS SET OUT IN THIS TITLE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY OF A MUNICIPALITY OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE UNLESS SUCH MUNICIPALITY OR POLI- TICAL SUBDIVISION SHALL CONSENT THERETO; AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT ACQUIRE BY THE EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN ANY FACIL- ITIES FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRICITY OPERATING AT A VOLTAGE IN EXCESS OF TWENTY-TWO THOUSAND VOLTS FROM ANY PERSON, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY TO ULTIMATE CUSTOMERS UNLESS THE AUTHORITY IS UNABLE TO ACQUIRE BY CONTRACT WITH THE OWNERS OR OPERATORS THEREOF, THE RIGHT TO USE SUCH FACILITIES ON JUST, REASONABLE AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY TERMS; AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT ACQUIRE BY THE EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN ANY FACILITIES FOR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER FROM ANY PERSON, CORPORATION, COMPANY, OR ASSOCIATION, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, ENGAGED IN THE GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER. IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY PROPERTIES AUTHORIZED HEREIN, THE AUTHORITY MAY ASSUME ANY OBLIGATIONS OF THE OWNER OF SUCH PROPERTIES AND, TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF ANY INDENTURES OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS UNDER WHICH SUCH OBLIGATIONS WERE ISSUED, THE AUTHORITY MAY ASSUME AND AGREE TO PERFORM COVENANTS AND OBSERVE RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED IN SUCH INSTRUMENTS; AND FURTHERMORE THE OWNER OF ANY PROPERTIES, WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO ACQUIRE, IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THE SAME TO THE AUTHORITY. IN THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN, AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUBDIVISION, THE PROPERTY S. 2813--B 8 BEING ACQUIRED SHALL BE DEEMED, WHEN SO DETERMINED BY THE AUTHORITY, TO BE FOR A PUBLIC USE; 6. TO TRANSMIT, DISTRIBUTE AND GENERATE ELECTRIC POWER AND ANY CONNECTED SERVICES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA, TO FIX RATES AND CHARGES FOR THE FURNISHING OR RENDITION OF ELECTRIC POWER OR OF ANY CONNECTED SERVICE, AND TO COLLECT REVENUES; 7. TO MAINTAIN, OPERATE AND MANAGE, AND CONTRACT FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY; 8. TO APPLY TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS OF THE FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUCH LICENSES, PERMITS OR APPROVALS FOR ITS PLANS AND PROJECTS AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY OR ADVISABLE, AND UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS IT MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE TO ACCEPT, IN ITS DISCRETION, SUCH LICENSES, PERMITS OR APPROVALS AS MAY BE TENDERED TO IT BY SUCH AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS; 9. TO ENTER UPON SUCH LANDS, WATERS OR PREMISES AS IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING SURVEYS, SOUNDINGS, BORINGS AND EXAMINATIONS TO ACCOMPLISH ANY PURPOSE AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY BEING LIABLE ONLY FOR ACTUAL DAMAGES DONE; 10. TO ENTER INTO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER AUTHORITIES, MUNI- CIPALITIES, UTILITY COMPANIES, INDIVIDUALS, FIRMS OR CORPORATIONS, AND THE DOMINION OF CANADA AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, FOR THE INTERCON- NECTION OF FACILITIES AND THE EXCHANGE OR INTERCHANGE OF ELECTRIC POWER OR CONNECTED SERVICES, UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SHALL BE DETER- MINED TO BE REASONABLE; 11. TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS, BORROW MONEY, ISSUE BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS AS PROVIDED IN SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-K OF THIS TITLE, AND SELL THE SAME IN SUCH AMOUNTS AND AT SUCH PRICES, INTEREST RATES AND OTHER FINANCIAL TERMS AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS; 12. TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE POWER FROM THE POWER AUTHORI- TY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, THE STATE, ANY STATE AGENCY, ANY MUNICI- PALITY, ANY PRIVATE ENTITY OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE SOURCE AT SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS MAY BE NEGOTIATED, INCLUDING THE POWER TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT OR ANY NEGOTIATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF POWER FROM THE DOMINION OF CANADA, OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION, PUBLIC AUTHORITY OR PRIVATE CORPORATION THEREIN; 13. TO MAKE ANY PLANS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATIONS WHICH IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE TO ENABLE IT EFFECTUALLY TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; 14. WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF THE FIRST SALE OF ELECTRIC POWER OR ANY CONNECTED SERVICE, TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS GRANTING TO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS THE PROTECTIONS AFFORDED BY ARTICLE TWO OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW AND SECTION ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE-S OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW; 15. TO ASSUME SUCH RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ALLIANCE FOR MUNICIPAL POWER, A JOINT STUDY COMMISSION ESTABLISHED BY INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE TWENTY-FOUR TOWNS AND VILLAGES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA OF THE AUTHORITY, WHICH FURTHER THE NCPA PURPOSES AND POWERS AS DETERMINED BY THE NCPA DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; AND 16. TO DO WHATEVER MAY BE NECESSARY TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE, AND IN GENERAL TO HAVE AND EXERCISE ALL OTHER POWERS NECES- SARY OR INCIDENTAL TO THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-F. DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. ALL MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY, FROM WHATEVER SOURCE DERIVED, EXCEPT AS OTHER- WISE AUTHORIZED OR PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE, SHALL UPON RECEIPT BE DEPOS- ITED FORTHWITH IN A BANK OR BANKS DESIGNATED BY THE DIRECTORS, TO BE SELECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH STANDARDS AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL SET S. 2813--B 9 FORTH IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY, WHICH STANDARDS SHALL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CREDITWORTHINESS AND CAPITAL POSI- TION OF THE DEPOSITARY BANK OR BANKS. THE MONEYS IN SUCH ACCOUNTS MAY BE INVESTED IN OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE OR THE UNITED STATES, OR GUARANTEED BY EITHER IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRACTICES THAT THE DIRECTORS SHALL SET FORTH IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE MONEYS IN SUCH ACCOUNTS SHALL BE WITHDRAWN ON THE ORDER OF SUCH PERSON OR PERSONS AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL AUTHORIZE IN THE BY-LAWS OF THE AUTHORITY AND SHALL BE APPLIED TO THE USE OF THE AUTHORITY AS THE DIREC- TORS SHALL AUTHORIZE IN THE BY-LAWS OF THE AUTHORITY. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER TO CONTRACT WITH HOLDERS OF ANY OF ITS BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, OR ANY TRUSTEE THEREFOR, AS TO THE CUSTODY, COLLECTION, SECURING, INVESTMENT AND PAYMENT OF ANY MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY AND OF ANY MONEYS HELD IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, AND TO CARRY OUT ANY SUCH CONTRACT. MONEYS HELD IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR IN ANY WAY TO SECURE BONDS OR NOTES OR OBLIGATIONS AND DEPOSITS OF SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE SECURED IN FULL IN DIRECT OBLIGATIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THE PAYMENT OF WHICH IS GUARANTEED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SUCH INVESTMENTS SHALL BE HELD ON DEPOSIT ONLY IN BANKS HAVING A MINIMUM CREDIT RATING AND A MINIMUM ACCUMULATED CAPITAL, AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL SPECIFY IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY. 3. SUBJECT TO AGREEMENTS WITH NOTEHOLDERS AND BONDHOLDERS OR ANY TRUS- TEE THEREFOR, THE AUTHORITY SHALL PRESCRIBE A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES. 4. THE DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT INVESTMENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS TO IMPLEMENT THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, WHICH GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS SHALL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY BY THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO STATE AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND TO THE PUBLIC. S 1021-G. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT AS A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE OF THIS CHAPTER. IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH SECTION: 1. IF ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE AN INTEREST, EITHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS OR IS TO BE A PARTY, SUCH INTEREST SHALL BE DISCLOSED TO THE AUTHORITY IN WRITING AND SHALL BE SET FORTH IN THE MINUTES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE HAVING SUCH INTEREST SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTION BY THE AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CONTRACT. 2. NO DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE SUCH AN INTEREST SOLELY BY REASON OF THE OWNERSHIP OF TWO PERCENT OR LESS OF THE SECURITIES OF A CORPORATION WHICH IS OR IS TO BE A PARTY TO A CONTRACT WITH THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE HOLDING COMPANY OF ANY BANKING INSTITUTION IN WHICH THE FUNDS OF THE AUTHORITY ARE, OR ARE TO BE DEPOSITED, OR WHICH IS OR IS TO BE ACTING AS TRUSTEE OR PAYING AGENT UNDER ANY BOND OR NOTE RESOLUTION, TRUST INDEN- TURE OR SIMILAR INSTRUMENT TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS A PARTY. 3. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEEMED OR CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE RIGHT OF ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE AN INTEREST IN THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY. S 1021-H. SALE OF SURPLUS POWER. WHENEVER ANY ELECTRIC POWER WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY ACQUIRE OR GENERATE CREATES A SURPLUS OVER THE AMOUNT OF ELECTRIC POWER REQUIRED BY THE RESIDENTS OF THE SERVICE AREA, THE AUTHORITY MAY SELL SUCH SURPLUS IN TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE SERVICE AREA TO S. 2813--B 10 PERSONS, OR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS. IN ACQUIRING ANY FACILITY OR PROPERTY WHICH ALSO SERVES ANY MUNICIPALITY OR TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE SERVICE AREA, THE AUTHORITY, IF IT DEEMS IT ADVANTAGEOUS AND ECONOMICAL SO TO DO, MAY, WITH THE CONSENT OF THE DIRECTORS, SERVE ANY SUCH MUNICI- PALITY OR TERRITORY OR SELL ELECTRIC POWER TO PERSONS, OR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS IN SUCH TERRITORY OR TO SUCH MUNICIPALITY. S 1021-I. SUBSIDIARIES. 1. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE AND PERFORM ALL OR PART OF ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS THROUGH ONE OR MORE WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES BY ACQUIRING THE VOTING SHARES THEREOF OR BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS DIRECTING ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, OFFI- CERS OR EMPLOYEES TO ORGANIZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION PURSUANT TO THE BUSINESS CORPORATION LAW, THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION LAW OR THE TRANSPORTATION CORPORATIONS LAW. SUCH RESOLUTION SHALL PRESCRIBE THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH ANY SUCH SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION IS TO BE FORMED. 2. THE AUTHORITY MAY TRANSFER TO ANY SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION ANY MONEYS, PROPERTY (REAL, PERSONAL OR MIXED) OR FACILITIES IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE. EACH SUCH SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL HAVE ALL THE PRIVILEGES, IMMUNITIES, TAX EXEMPTIONS AND OTHER EXEMPTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY TO THE EXTENT THE SAME ARE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE STATUTE OR STATUTES PURSUANT TO WHICH SUCH SUBSIDIARY WAS INCORPORATED. EACH SUCH SUBSIDIARY SHALL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW AND THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT TO THE SAME EXTENT AS THEY APPLY TO THE NCPA. 3. ANY SUCH SUBSIDIARIES OF NCPA SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REPORT- ING, AUDITING AND REVIEW REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO NCPA PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-J. AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 1. 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 SELECTED BY THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICI- PALITIES SERVED BY THE NCPA AND TO THE PUBLIC. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL SUBMIT A DETAILED ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO AND AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED OF THIS CHAPTER, AND A COPY OF SUCH REPORT SHALL BE FILED WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVES OF THE COUNTIES OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE, AND WITH THE MAYORS AND SUPERVISORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICIPALITIES SERVED BY THE NCPA AND TO THE PUBLIC. S 1021-K. BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER AND IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED FROM TIME TO TIME TO ISSUE ITS BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANC- ING ANY CAPITAL PROJECT AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ACQUISITION OF ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY OR FACILI- TIES DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE AUTHORITY, DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES, AND FUNDING ANY CAPITAL OR OTHER RESERVE FUNDS ESTABLISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE AUTHORITY'S OPERATIONS OR ISSUANCES, IN SUCH PRINCI- PAL AMOUNT AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL DETERMINE NECESSARY TO PERFORM ITS CORPORATE DUTIES AND FURTHER ITS PURPOSES AS AUTHORIZED IN THIS TITLE. THE MAXIMUM MATURITY OF ANY SUCH BOND SHALL NOT EXCEED FORTY YEARS FROM ITS DATE OF ISSUANCE. THE MAXIMUM MATURITY OF ANY SUCH NOTE OR OBLI- GATION SHALL NOT EXCEED FIVE YEARS FROM ITS DATE OF ISSUANCE. 2. EXCEPT AS MAY BE OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORITY, THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, UP TO ONE HUNDRED SEVEN- TY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY, SHALL BE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY PAYABLE OUT OF ANY MONEYS OR REVENUES OF THE AUTHORITY, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOLDERS OF PARTICULAR BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS PLEDGING ANY PARTICULAR MONEYS OR REVENUES. S. 2813--B 11 3. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER FROM TIME TO TIME, WHENEVER IT DEEMS REFUNDING EXPEDIENT, TO REFUND ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS BY THE ISSUANCE OF NEW BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, UP TO ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY, WHETHER THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO BE REFUNDED HAVE OR HAVE NOT MATURED, AND MAY ISSUE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS PARTLY TO REFUND BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING AND PARTLY FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION. REFUNDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO BE REFUNDED, WITH SUCH CASH ADJUSTMENTS AS MAY BE AGREED, OR MAY BE SOLD WITH THE PROCEEDS APPLIED TO THE PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF THE BONDS TO BE REFUNDED. 4. BONDS MAY BE ISSUED EITHER IN A SERIES WITH MULTIPLE DISCRETE MATU- RITY DATES OR AS TERM BONDS WITH A SINGLE MATURITY DATE. THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BEAR SUCH DATE OR DATES, MATURE AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES, BEAR INTEREST AT SUCH RATE OR RATES, PAYABLE ANNUALLY OR SEMI-AN- NUALLY, BE IN SUCH DENOMINATIONS, BE IN SUCH FORM, CARRY SUCH REGISTRA- TION PRIVILEGES, BE EXECUTED IN SUCH MANNER, BE PAYABLE IN LAWFUL MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT SUCH PLACE OR PLACES, AND BE SUBJECT TO SUCH TERMS OF REDEMPTION, AS SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS MAY PROVIDE. IN THE EVENT THAT TERM BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ARE ISSUED, THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAME MAY MAKE SUCH PROVISIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ADEQUATE SINKING FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF, AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DEEM NECESSARY. 5. THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY MAY BE SOLD AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE FOR SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL DETERMINE. FOR A PRIVATE SALE OF ITS SECURITIES, THE AUTHORITY SHALL OBTAIN THE WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE TERMS OF SUCH SALE FROM THE COMPTROLLER IF SUCH SALE IS TO A PARTY OTHER THAN THE COMPTROLLER, OR FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET WHERE SUCH SALE IS TO THE COMPTROLLER, IN EITHER CASE PRIOR TO CLOSING THE ISSUANCE TRANSACTION. 6. ANY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ANY ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS MAY CONTAIN PROVISIONS, WHICH SHALL BE A PART OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND THE HOLDERS OF THE ISSUED SECURITIES, AS TO: (A) PLEDGING ALL OR ANY PART OF THE REVENUES OF THE AUTHORITY OR ITS PROJECTS OR ANY REVENUE PRODUCING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITY WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL, PARTNERSHIP, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY; (B) PLEDGING, ASSIGNING OR CREATING A LIEN ON ALL OR ANY PART OF ASSETS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING MORTGAGES AND OBLIGATIONS SECURITY MORTGAGES, TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREE- MENTS WITH HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY; (C) THE SETTING ASIDE OF RESERVES OR SINKING FUNDS, AND THE REGULATION AND DISPOSITION THEREOF; (D) ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL FUNDS FOR DEPOSIT OF MONEYS RECEIVED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL DETER- MINE, CONSISTENT WITH THE AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; (E) LIMITATIONS ON THE PURPOSE TO WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF SALE OF ANY ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS THEN OR THEREAFTER TO BE ISSUED MAY BE APPLIED AND PLEDGING SUCH PROCEEDS TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; S. 2813--B 12 (F) LIMITATIONS OF THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; THE TERMS UPON WHICH ADDITIONAL BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS MAY BE ISSUED AND SECURED; AND THE REFUNDING OF OUTSTANDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; (G) THE PROCEDURE, IF ANY, BY WHICH THE TERMS OF ANY CONTRACT WITH BONDHOLDERS MAY BE AMENDED OR ABROGATED, THE AMOUNT OF BONDS THE HOLDERS OF WHICH MUST CONSENT THERETO, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH CONSENT MAY BE GIVEN; (H) PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND POWERS OF A TRUSTEE FOR HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, AND THE RIGHTS, POWERS AND DUTIES OF SUCH TRUSTEE AS THE DIRECTORS MAY DETERMINE; (I) LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF MONEYS DERIVED FROM A PROJECT TO BE EXPENDED FOR OPERATING, ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER EXPENSES OF THE AUTHORI- TY; (J) DEFINING THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS TO ACT WHICH SHALL CONSTITUTE A DEFAULT IN THE DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY TO HOLDERS OF ITS OBLIGATIONS AND PROVIDING THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF SUCH HOLDERS IN THE EVENT OF A DEFAULT; AND (K) ANY OTHER PROVISIONS NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THOSE ENUMERATED IN THIS SUBDIVISION AND NECESSARY TO EFFECT ITS ISSUANCES OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF ITS SECURITIES, OR OTHERWISE IN FURTHERANCE OF ITS CORPORATE PURPOSES. 7. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS TITLE, ANY SUCH RESOL- UTION OR RESOLUTIONS SHALL CONTAIN A COVENANT BY THE AUTHORITY THAT IT WILL AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN RATES, FEES OR CHARGES SUFFICIENT TO PAY, AND THAT ANY CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE AUTHORITY FOR THE SALE, TRANS- MISSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF POWER SHALL CONTAIN RATES, FEES OR CHARGES SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE COSTS OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROJECT, THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON ANY OBLIGATIONS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SUCH RESOLUTION AS THE SAME SEVERALLY BECOME DUE AND PAYABLE, AND TO MAINTAIN ANY DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIOS AND ANY RESERVES REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS. 8. IT IS THE INTENT OF THIS TITLE THAT ANY PLEDGE OF REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR OF A REVENUE PRODUCING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING FROM THE TIME WHEN THE PLEDGE IS MADE; THAT THE REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR PROCEEDS OF ANY CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS SO PLEDGED AND THEREAFTER RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL IMMEDIATELY BE SUBJECT TO THE LIEN OF SUCH PLEDGE WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL DELIVERY THEREOF OR FURTHER ACT; AND THAT THE LIEN OF ANY SUCH PLEDGE SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING AS AGAINST ALL PARTIES HAVING CLAIMS OF ANY KIND IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE AGAINST THE AUTHORITY IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER SUCH PARTIES HAVE NOTICE THEREOF. NEITHER THE RESOLUTION NOR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT BY WHICH A PLEDGE IS CREATED NEED BE RECORDED. 9. NEITHER THE DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY NOR ANY PERSON EXECUTING THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE LIABLE PERSONALLY ON THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR BE SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL LIABIL- ITY OR ACCOUNTABILITY BY REASON OF THE ISSUANCE THEREOF. 10. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER OUT OF ANY FUNDS AVAILABLE THEREFOR TO PURCHASE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. THE AUTHORITY MAY HOLD, PLEDGE, CANCEL OR RESELL SUCH BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS, SUBJECT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH AGREEMENTS WITH BONDHOLDERS. 11. ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY ARE HEREBY MADE SECURITIES IN WHICH ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS AND BODIES OF THIS STATE AND ALL MUNICIPALITIES AND MUNICIPAL SUBDIVISIONS, ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER PERSONS CARRYING ON AN INSURANCE BUSINESS, ALL BANKS, BANKERS, TRUST COMPANIES, SAVINGS BANKS AND SAVINGS S. 2813--B 13 ASSOCIATIONS, INCLUDING SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND OTHER PERSONS CARRYING ON A BANK- ING BUSINESS, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHATSOEVER WHO ARE AUTHORIZED TO INVEST IN BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE, MAY PROPERLY AND LEGALLY INVEST FUNDS INCLUDING CAPITAL IN THEIR CONTROL OR BELONGING TO THEM; SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ANY OTHER GENERAL OR SPECIAL LAW TO THE CONTRARY. 12. THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO OBTAIN FROM ANY DEPARTMENT OR AGEN- CY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE STATE OR ANY NONGOVERNMENTAL INSURER OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ANY INSURANCE, GUARANTY OR OTHER CREDIT SUPPORT DEVICE, TO THE EXTENT AVAILABLE, AS TO, OR FOR THE PAYMENT OR REPAYMENT OF INTEREST OR PRINCIPAL, OR BOTH, OR ANY PART THEREOF, ON ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY AND TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH INSURANCE OR GUARANTY, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SAME WOULD IN ANY WAY IMPAIR OR INTERFERE WITH THE ABILITY OF THE AUTHORITY TO PERFORM AND FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENT MADE WITH THE HOLDERS OF OUTSTANDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 13. IN ADDITION TO THE POWERS CONFERRED IN THIS SECTION UPON THE AUTHORITY TO SECURE ITS BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO ENTER INTO SUCH AGREEMENTS AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE CONCERNING THE USE OR DISPOSI- TION OF ITS REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR PROPERTY, AND FOR THE ACQUISI- TION, ALTERATION OR DISPOSITION OF ITS PROPERTY, REAL AND PERSONAL, INCLUDING THE MORTGAGING OF ANY OF ITS PROPERTIES AND THE ENTRUSTING, PLEDGING OR CREATION OF ANY OTHER SECURITY INTEREST IN ANY SUCH REVEN- UES, MONEYS OR PROPERTIES AND THE DOING OF ANY ACT, INCLUDING REFRAINING FROM DOING ANY ACT, WHICH THE AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH AGREEMENTS. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO ENTER INTO AMENDMENTS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENTS WITHIN THE POWERS GRANTED TO THE AUTHORITY BY THIS TITLE AND TO PERFORM SUCH AGREEMENTS. THE PROVISIONS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENTS MAY BE MADE A PART OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE HOLDERS OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 14. ALL BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE ARE HEREBY DECLARED TO HAVE ALL THE QUALITIES AND INCIDENTS OF NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE STATE. S 1021-L. STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE ON BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT BE A DEBT OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, AND NEITHER THE STATE NOR ANY MUNI- CIPALITY SHALL BE LIABLE THEREON. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT HAVE THE POWER TO PLEDGE THE CREDIT, THE REVENUES OR THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, AND NEITHER THE CREDIT, THE REVENUES NOR THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY SHALL BE OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE PLEDGED TO THE PAYMENT OF ANY SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY. EACH EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY, SHALL CONTAIN A CLEAR AND EXPLICIT STATEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. S 1021-M. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. THE STATE DOES HEREBY PLEDGE TO AND AGREE WITH THE HOLDERS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THIS TITLE, THAT THE STATE WILL NOT LIMIT OR ALTER THE RIGHTS HEREBY VESTED IN THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH AND COLLECT THE REVENUES AND OTHER CHARGES REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE AND TO FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENTS MADE WITH OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES, OR IN ANY WAY IMPAIR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE S. 2813--B 14 BONDHOLDERS UNTIL SUCH SECURITIES ARE FULLY MET AND DISCHARGED. THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO INCLUDE THIS PLEDGE OF THE STATE IN ALL AGREEMENTS BY THE AUTHORITY WITH THE HOLDERS OF ITS SECURITIES. S 1021-N. EXEMPTION OF THE AUTHORITY FROM TAXATION. 1. IT IS HEREBY FOUND AND DECLARED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE AUTHORITY IS PRIMARILY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITIES, COUNTIES AND THE STATE, FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR HEALTH, WELFARE AND PROSPER- ITY, AND IS A PUBLIC PURPOSE, AND THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE REGARDED AS PERFORMING AN ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION IN CARRYING OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. 2. THE PROPERTY OF THE AUTHORITY, AND ITS INCOME AND OPERATIONS SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM TAXATION OR ASSESSMENTS OF EVERY KIND AND NATURE; NOR SHALL THE AUTHORITY BE REQUIRED TO PAY ANY FILING OR RECORDING FEE OR TRANSFER TAX OF ANY KIND ON ACCOUNT OF INSTRUMENTS FILED OR RECORDED BY IT OR ON ITS BEHALF, PROVIDED THAT NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PREVENT THE AUTHORITY FROM ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS TO MAKE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES WITH THE GOVERNING BODIES OF MUNICIPALITIES OR OTHER LOCAL GOVERN- MENT TAXING ENTITIES. MORTGAGES MADE OR FINANCED (DIRECTLY OR INDIRECT- LY) BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE MORTGAGE RECORDING TAXES IMPOSED BY ARTICLE ELEVEN OF THE TAX LAW. 3. THE SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY, THEIR TRANSFER AND THE INCOME THEREFROM SHALL, AT ALL TIMES, BE FREE FROM TAXATION BY THE STATE OR ANY MUNICIPALITY, EXCEPT FOR ESTATE AND GIFT TAXES. S 1021-O. ACTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1. ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY BE A PARTY IN WHICH ANY QUESTION ARISES AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THIS TITLE OR THE VALUATION OF STOCK OR ASSETS ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN SHALL BE PREFERRED OVER ALL OTHER CIVIL CAUSES IN ALL COURTS OF THE STATE, EXCEPT ELECTION MATTERS, AND SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN PREFERENCE TO ALL OTHER CIVIL BUSINESS PENDING THEREIN, EXCEPT ELECTION MATTERS, IRRESPECTIVE OF POSITION ON THE CALENDAR. THE SAME PREFERENCE SHALL BE GRANTED UPON APPLICATION OF COUNSEL TO THE AUTHORITY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING QUESTIONING THE VALIDITY OF THIS TITLE OR THE VALU- ATION OF STOCK OR ASSETS ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN IN WHICH SUCH COUNSEL MAY BE ALLOWED TO INTERVENE. THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE LAID IN THE SUPREME COURT FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE AUTHORITY IS LOCATED. 2. IN THE EVENT ANY PARTY SHALL APPEAL AN AWARD OF COMPENSATION FOR THE TAKING BY THE AUTHORITY OF STOCK OR ASSETS, SUCH PARTY SHALL POST A BOND IN SUCH AMOUNT, IF ANY, AS THE SUPREME COURT SHALL DEEM APPROPRIATE TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE OTHER PARTY UNDER ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES. 3. AN ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOUNDED ON TORT SHALL NOT BE COMMENCED MORE THAN ONE YEAR AND NINETY DAYS AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION THEREFOR SHALL HAVE ACCRUED, NOR UNLESS A NOTICE OF CLAIM SHALL HAVE BEEN SERVED ON THE AUTHORITY WITHIN THE TIME LIMITED BY, AND IN COMPLI- ANCE WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION FIFTY-E OF THE GENERAL MUNICI- PAL LAW, EXCEPT THAT AN ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOR WRONGFUL DEATH SHALL BE COMMENCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NOTICE OF CLAIM AND TIME LIMI- TATION PROVISIONS OF TITLE ELEVEN OF ARTICLE NINE OF THIS CHAPTER. S 1021-P. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. ALL CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE OF WHATEVER NATURE AND ALL DOCU- MENTS SOLICITING BIDS OR PROPOSALS THEREFOR SHALL CONTAIN OR MAKE REFER- ENCE TO THE FOLLOWING PROVISION: S. 2813--B 15 THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST EMPLOYEES OR APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF RACE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY OR MARITAL STATUS, AND WILL UNDERTAKE OR CONTINUE EXISTING PROGRAMS OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE THAT MINORITY GROUP PERSONS AND WOMEN ARE AFFORDED EQUAL OPPORTUNITY WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION. SUCH PROGRAMS SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYMENT, JOB ASSIGNMENT, PROMOTION, UPGRADING, DEMOTION, TRANSFER, LAYOFF, TERMI- NATION, RATES OF PAY OR OTHER FORMS OF COMPENSATION, AND SELECTION FOR TRAINING AND RETRAINING, INCLUDING APPRENTICESHIP AND ON-THE-JOB TRAIN- ING. S 1021-Q. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION. 1. THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY, WHILE ACTING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THEIR AUTHORITY AS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES, SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL OR CIVIL LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE EXERCISE, CARRYING OUT OR ADVOCACY OF ANY OF THE AUTHORITY'S PURPOSES OR POWER UNLESS THE CONDUCT OF THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES IS FINALLY DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO CONSTITUTE INTEN- TIONAL WRONGDOING OR RECKLESSNESS. 2. THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION EIGHTEEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW SHALL APPLY TO DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, SUITS, ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS WHICH MAY BE MADE OR BROUGHT AGAINST ANY OF THEM ARISING OUT OF ANY DETERMINATIONS MADE OR ACTIONS TAKEN OR OMITTED TO BE TAKEN IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY ACTIONS TAKEN PURSUANT TO THE POWERS OF THIS TITLE. 3. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, THE TERMS "DIRECTOR", "OFFICER" AND "EMPLOYEE" SHALL INCLUDE A FORMER DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE AND HIS OR HER ESTATE OR JUDICIALLY APPOINTED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. S 1021-R. POWER TO COMPEL ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES. FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXERCISING ITS POWERS AND PERFORMING ITS DUTIES PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE AND OF SECURING SUCH INFORMATION AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES AND THE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS. THE POWER HEREBY CONFERRED UPON THE AUTHORITY MAY BE EXERCISED BY ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE DIRECTORS IF HE, SHE OR THEY ARE AUTHORIZED SO TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE AUTHORITY BY RESOLUTION OR BY LAW. A SUBPOENA ISSUED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE REGULATED BY THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES. S 1021-S. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. IN ADDITION TO REPORTING THE INFOR- MATION REQUIRED BY SUBDIVISIONS ONE AND TWO OF SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED OF THIS CHAPTER THE AUTHORITY SHALL SUBMIT A DETAILED REPORT OR REPORTS SETTING FORTH (1) ITS FINANCIAL REPORTS, INCLUDING (I) AUDITED FINANCIALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS AND FOLLOWING GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION TEN OF SECTION TWO OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW, (II) GRANT AND SUBSIDY PROGRAMS, (III) OPERATING AND FINANCIAL RISKS, (IV) CURRENT RATINGS, IF ANY, OF ITS BONDS ISSUED BY RECOGNIZED MUNICIPAL BOND RATING AGENCIES AND NOTICE OF CHANGES IN SUCH RATINGS, AND (V) LONG-TERM LIABILITIES, INCLUDING LEASES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS; (2) ITS MISSION STATEMENT AND MEASUREMENTS INCLUDING ITS MOST RECENT MEASUREMENT REPORT; (3) BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION, NOT INCLUDING CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL INFORMA- TION, FOR ALL DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES; (4) A COPY OF THE LEGISLATION THAT FORMS THE STATUTORY BASIS OF THE AUTHORITY; (5) A DESCRIPTION OF THE AUTHORITY AND ITS BOARD STRUCTURE, INCLUDING (I) NAMES OF COMMITTEES AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS, (II) LISTS OF BOARD MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE, (III) DESCRIPTIONS OF MAJOR AUTHORITY UNITS, SUBSID- IARIES, AND (IV) NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES; (6) ITS CHARTER, IF ANY, AND BY-LAWS; (7) A LISTING OF MATERIAL CHANGES IN OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS S. 2813--B 16 DURING THE REPORTING YEAR; (8) AT A MINIMUM A FOUR-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN, INCLUDING (I) A CURRENT AND PROJECTED CAPITAL BUDGET, AND (II) AN OPER- ATING BUDGET REPORT, INCLUDING AN ACTUAL VERSUS ESTIMATED BUDGET, WITH AN ANALYSIS AND MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE; (9) ITS BOARD PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH EVALU- ATIONS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE UNDER ARTICLE SIX OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW; (10) A DESCRIPTION OF THE TOTAL AMOUNTS OF ASSETS AND/OR SERVICES BOUGHT OR SOLD WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING, INCLUDING (I) THE NATURE OF THOSE ASSETS AND SERVICES, (II) THE NAMES OF THE COUN- TERPARTIES, AND (III) WHERE THE CONTRACT PRICE OR FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR GOODS PURCHASED EXCEEDS A FAIR MARKET VALUE OR WHERE THE CONTRACT PRICE FOR GOODS SOLD IS LESS THAN A FAIR MARKET VALUE, AN ATTESTATION OF THE FAIR MARKET VALUE AND A DETAILED EXPLANATION EXECUTED UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE REASONS FOR THE HIGH PRICE PURCHASE OR THE LOAN PRICE SALE INCLUDING THE RELATIONSHIP, IF ANY, OF PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUYER OR PURCHASER AND PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUTHORITY AND/OR THE OFFICIALS WHO APPOINTED MEMBERS TO THE AUTHORITY BOARD; (11) A DESCRIPTION OF ANY MATERIAL PENDING LITIGATION IN WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS INVOLVED AS A PARTY DURING THE REPORTING YEAR; AND (12) ITS ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT. S 1021-T. WEBSITE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL MAKE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC, VIA ITS OFFICIAL OR SHARED INTERNET WEBSITE, DOCUMENTATION PERTAINING TO ITS MISSION, CURRENT ACTIVITIES, MOST RECENT ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS, CURRENT YEAR BUDGET AND ITS MOST RECENT INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT UNLESS SUCH INFORMATION IS COVERED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION EIGHTY-SEVEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW. S 1021-U. GOVERNANCE. 1. BOARD MEMBERS (A) EXECUTE DIRECT OVERSIGHT OF THE AUTHORITY'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND OTHER MANAGEMENT IN THE EFFECTIVE AND ETHICAL MANAGEMENT OF THE AUTHORITY; (B) UNDERSTAND, REVIEW AND MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FUNDAMENTAL FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT CONTROLS AND OPERATIONAL DECISIONS OF THE AUTHORITY; (C) ESTABLISH POLI- CIES REGARDING THE PAYMENT OF SALARY, COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENTS TO, AND ESTABLISH RULES FOR THE TIME AND ATTENDANCE OF, THE CHIEF EXECU- TIVE AND MANAGEMENT; (D) ADOPT A CODE OF ETHICS APPLICABLE TO EACH OFFI- CER, DIRECTOR AND EMPLOYEE THAT, AT A MINIMUM, INCLUDES THE STANDARDS ESTABLISHED IN SECTION SEVENTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW; (E) ESTABLISH WRITTEN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ON PERSONNEL INCLUDING POLI- CIES PROTECTING EMPLOYEES FROM RETALIATION FOR DISCLOSING INFORMATION CONCERNING ACTS OF WRONGDOING, MISCONDUCT, MALFEASANCE, OR OTHER INAP- PROPRIATE BEHAVIOR BY AN EMPLOYEE OR BOARD MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY, INVESTMENTS, TRAVEL, THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY AND THE DISPOSI- TION OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AND THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES; (F) ADOPT A DEFENSE AND INDEMNIFICATION POLICY AND DISCLOSE SUCH PLAN TO ANY AND ALL PROSPECTIVE BOARD MEMBERS; (G) AT THE TIME THAT THE MEMBER TAKES AND SUBSCRIBES HIS OR HER OATH OF OFFICE, OR WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS PARAGRAPH IF THE MEMBER HAS ALREADY TAKEN AND SUBSCRIBED HIS OR HER OATH OF OFFICE, EXECUTE AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT, IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE AUTHORITY'S BUDGET OFFICE, IN WHICH THE BOARD MEMBER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE OR SHE UNDERSTANDS HIS OR HER ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES IMPOSED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. 2. BOARD MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY, OR SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, SHALL ESTAB- LISH AN AUDIT COMMITTEE TO BE COMPRISED OF NOT LESS THAN THREE INDEPEND- ENT MEMBERS, WHO SHALL CONSTITUTE A MAJORITY ON THE COMMITTEE, AND WHO SHALL POSSESS THE NECESSARY SKILLS TO UNDERSTAND THE DUTIES AND FUNC- TIONS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IN THE EVENT THAT S. 2813--B 17 A BOARD HAS LESS THAN THREE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS, THE BOARD MAY APPOINT NON-INDEPENDENT MEMBERS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, PROVIDED THAT THE INDE- PENDENT MEMBERS MUST CONSTITUTE A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE SHALL RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD THE HIRING OF A CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR SUCH AUTHORITY, ESTABLISH THE COMPENSATION TO BE PAID TO THE ACCOUNTING FIRM AND PROVIDE DIRECT OVER- SIGHT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDIT PERFORMED BY THE ACCOUNTING FIRM HIRED FOR SUCH PURPOSES. MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE SHALL BE FAMILIAR WITH CORPORATE FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING PRACTICES. 3. BOARD MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY, OR SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, SHALL ESTAB- LISH A GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE TO BE COMPRISED OF NOT LESS THAN THREE INDE- PENDENT MEMBERS, WHO SHALL CONSTITUTE A MAJORITY ON THE COMMITTEE, AND WHO SHALL POSSESS THE NECESSARY SKILLS TO UNDERSTAND THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IN THE EVENT THAT A BOARD HAS LESS THAN THREE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS, THE BOARD MAY APPOINT NON-INDEPENDENT MEMBERS TO THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE, PROVIDED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS MUST CONSTITUTE A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE. IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE TO KEEP THE BOARD INFORMED OF CURRENT BEST GOVERNANCE PRACTICES; TO REVIEW CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TRENDS; TO RECOMMEND UPDATES TO THE AUTHORITY'S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES; TO ADVISE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES ON THE SKILLS AND EXPERI- ENCES REQUIRED OF POTENTIAL BOARD MEMBERS; TO EXAMINE ETHICAL AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST ISSUES; TO PERFORM BOARD SELF-EVALUATIONS; AND TO RECOMMEND BY-LAWS WHICH INCLUDE RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCT OF BOARD BUSINESS. S 1021-V. SUBSIDIARIES. 1. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY LAW TO THE CONTRARY, NO STATE AUTHORITY SHALL HEREAFTER HAVE THE POWER TO ORGANIZE ANY SUBSID- IARY CORPORATION UNLESS THE LEGISLATURE SHALL HAVE ENACTED A LAW GRANT- ING SUCH STATE AUTHORITY SUCH POWER FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF A SPECIFIC CORPORATION, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT A STATE AUTHORITY MAY ORGANIZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION PURSUANT TO THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: (A) THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL BE ORGAN- IZED SHALL BE FOR A PROJECT OR PROJECTS WHICH THE STATE AUTHORITY HAS THE POWER TO PURSUE PURSUANT TO ITS CORPORATE PURPOSES; (B) THE PRIMARY REASON FOR WHICH THE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL BE ORGANIZED SHALL BE TO LIMIT THE POTENTIAL LIABILITY IMPACT OF THE SUBSIDIARY'S PROJECT OR PROJECTS ON THE AUTHORITY OR BECAUSE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT THE PURPOSE OF A SUBSIDIARY BE UNDERTAKEN THROUGH A SPECIFIC CORPORATE STRUCTURE; AND (C) THE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION SHALL MAKE THE REPORTS AND OTHER DISCLOSURES AS ARE REQUIRED OF STATE AUTHORITIES, UNLESS THE SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION'S OPERATIONS AND FINANCES ARE CONSOLIDATED WITH THOSE OF THE AUTHORITY OF WHICH IT IS A SUBSIDIARY. 2. IN SUCH CASES WHERE A STATE AUTHORITY HAS THE POWER TO ORGANIZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE AUTHORITY SHALL FILE, NO LESS THAN SIXTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE FORMA- TION OF SUCH SUBSIDIARY, NOTICE TO THE AUTHORITY'S BUDGET OFFICE, THE GOVERNOR, THE COMPTROLLER, AND THE LEGISLATURE THAT IT WILL BE CREATING A SUBSIDIARY. 3. SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS FORMED UNDER SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION SHALL NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBTS, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS MAY ISSUE NOTES OR OTHER DEBTS TO THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF WHICH IT IS A SUBSID- IARY. NO SUCH DEBT ISSUED BY THE SUBSIDIARY TO ITS PARENT AUTHORITY SHALL IN TOTAL EXCEED, AT ANY TIME, A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF FIVE HUNDRED S. 2813--B 18 THOUSAND DOLLARS OR, DURING THE NINE MONTHS AFTER THE FORMATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY, ONE MILLION DOLLARS. 4. THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OR OTHER DOCUMENT FILED TO ORGAN- IZE A SUBSIDIARY CORPORATION UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL STATE THAT THE STATE AUTHORITY IS THE PERSON ORGANIZING THE CORPORATION. 5. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO GRANT AN AUTHORITY THE POWER TO CREATE A SUBSIDIARY WHERE THE AUTHOR- ITY DOES NOT OTHERWISE HAVE THE POWER TO DO SO. 6. ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN, AND ANNUALLY ON SUCH DAY THEREAFTER, ANY SUBSIDIARY PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPO- RATION, IN COOPERATION WITH ITS PARENT PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, SHALL PROVIDE TO THE CHAIR AND RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE CHAIR AND RANKING MINORITY MEMBER OF THE ASSEMBLY WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, A REPORT ON THE SUBSIDIARY PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPO- RATION. SUCH REPORT SHALL INCLUDE FOR EACH SUBSIDIARY: (A) THE COMPLETE LEGAL NAME, ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY; (B) THE STRUCTURE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY, INCLUDING THE NAMES AND TITLES OF EACH OF ITS MEMBERS, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS, AS WELL AS A CHART OF ITS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE; (C) THE COMPLETE BYLAWS AND LEGAL ORGANIZATION PAPERS OF THE SUBSID- IARY; (D) A COMPLETE REPORT OF THE PURPOSE, OPERATIONS, MISSION AND PROJECTS OF THE SUBSIDIARY, INCLUDING A STATEMENT OF JUSTIFICATION AS TO WHY THE SUBSIDIARY IS NECESSARY TO CONTINUE ITS OPERATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC BENE- FIT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; AND (E) ANY OTHER INFORMATION THE SUBSIDIARY PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION DEEMS IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE IN SUCH REPORT. S 1021-W. WHISTLEBLOWER. 1. THE DIRECTOR OF THE AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, SHALL DEVELOP AND RECOMMEND TO THE LEGISLATURE A WHISTLEBLOWER ACCESS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WHICH SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: (A) ESTABLISHING TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE AND FACSIMILE LINES AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES; (B) OFFERING ADVICE REGARDING THE EMPLOYEE'S RIGHTS UNDER APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS AND ADVICE AND OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL PERSONS; AND (C) OFFERING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYEES TO IDENTIFY CONCERNS REGARD- ING ANY ISSUE AT THE AUTHORITY. 2. ANY COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN AN EMPLOYEE AND THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE HELD STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL BY THE AUTHORITY, UNLESS THE EMPLOYEE SPECIFICALLY WAIVES IN WRITING THE RIGHT TO CONFI- DENTIALITY. 3. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT FIRE, DISCHARGE, DEMOTE, SUSPEND, THREATEN, HARASS OR DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE BECAUSE OF THE EMPLOYEE'S ROLE AS A WHISTLEBLOWER, INSOFAR AS THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE ARE LEGAL. S 1021-X. LOBBYING CONTACTS. 1. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS SECTION: (A) "LOBBYING" SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANING AS DEFINED IN SECTION ONE-C OF THE LEGISLATIVE LAW. (B) "LOBBYING CONTACT" SHALL MEAN ANY CONVERSATION, IN PERSON OR BY TELEPHONIC OR OTHER REMOTE MEANS, OR CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN ANY LOBBYIST AND ANY PERSON WITHIN A STATE AUTHORITY WHO CAN MAKE OR INFLUENCE A DECISION ON ANY MATTER ON BEHALF OF THE STATE AUTHORITY, AND SHALL INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, ALL MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD AND ALL OFFI- CERS OF THE STATE AUTHORITY. S. 2813--B 19 (C) "LOBBYIST" SHALL MEAN ANY PERSON WHO CONTACTS A STATE AUTHORITY IN AN EFFORT TO OBTAIN FAVORABLE ACTION BY THE AUTHORITY ON ANY MATTER ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL MAINTAIN A RECORD OF ALL LOBBYING CONTACTS MADE WITH SUCH AUTHORITY. 3. EVERY MEMBER, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY WHO IS THE PERSON CONTACTED BY A LOBBYIST SHALL MAKE A CONTEMPORANEOUS RECORD OF SUCH CONTACT CONTAINING THE DAY AND TIME OF THE CONTACT, THE IDENTITY OF THE LOBBYIST, AND A GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE SUBSTANCE OF THE CONTACT. SUCH PERSON SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A RECORD OF THE RECEIPT OF DOCUMENTARY LOBBYING CONTACTS IF THE DOCUMENT OR A COPY THEREOF IS KEPT IN A FILE RELATING TO LOBBYING CONTACTS. 4. THE AUTHORITY SHALL ADOPT A POLICY IMPLEMENTING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION. SUCH POLICY SHALL APPOINT AN OFFICER TO WHOM ALL SUCH RECORDS SHALL BE DELIVERED. SUCH OFFICER SHALL MAINTAIN SUCH RECORDS FOR NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS IN A FILING SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ORGANIZE SUCH RECORDS IN A MANNER SO AS TO MAKE SUCH RECORDS USEFUL TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE DECISIONS OF THE AUTHORITY WERE INFLUENCED BY LOBBYING CONTACTS. S 1021-Y. PREVAILING WAGE. WHENEVER THE AUTHORITY ENTERS INTO ANY CONTRACT, SUBCONTRACT, LEASE, GRANT, BOND, COVENANT OR OTHER AGREEMENT FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVE- MENT PROJECT, SUCH PROJECT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW, AND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO ALL THE WORK INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCA- VATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVEMENT OF SUCH PROJECT. FUNDS, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, OR ANY OTHER BENEFITS PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE UTILIZED FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCA- VATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVEMENT OF ANY PROJECT TO WHICH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW ARE NOT APPLICABLE. S 1021-Z. PERIODIC REVIEW BY LEGISLATURE FOR CONTINUATION OR TERMI- NATION. BEGINNING IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND FIFTY, AND NOT MORE THAN ONCE EVERY TEN YEARS THEREAFTER, THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, NOT TO EXCEED THREE MONTHS FROM COMMENCEMENT TO CONCLUSION, OF THE STRUCTURE, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE NCPA, AND THE NCPA SHALL PROVIDE SUCH RECORDS, REPORTS AND TESTI- MONY AS THE LEGISLATURE MAY REQUEST TO ASSIST IN THE CONDUCT OF THIS REVIEW. UPON THE CONCLUSION OF EACH SUCH COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, THE LEGISLATURE MAY IN ITS DISCRETION DETERMINE TO TERMINATE THE AUTHORITY BY ENACTMENT INTO LAW, AND SIGNATURE BY THE GOVERNOR OF A STATUTE REPEALING THIS TITLE AS OF A DATE CERTAIN, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-M OF THIS TITLE AND THE TERMS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBT OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING. SUCH STATUTE SHALL, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ASSIGN THE AUTHORITY'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSI- BILITIES AND DISPOSE OF ITS ASSETS TO THE STATE OR A SUBDIVISION THERE- OF. IN THE EVENT THAT THE LEGISLATURE DOES NOT SO DETERMINE AND SO ENACT, THE CORPORATE EXISTENCE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONTINUE INDEFI- NITELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-AA. SEVERABILITY. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE ARE SEVERABLE, AND IF ANY CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, ACTION OR PART OF THIS TITLE, OR THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO ANY PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE, SHALL BE ADJUDGED BY ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE, S. 2813--B 20 SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT, IMPAIR OR INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER OF THIS TITLE OR THE APPLICATION OF SUCH PROVISION TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT SHALL BE CONFINED IN ITS OPERATION TO THE CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, SECTION OR PART THEREOF OR PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE CONTROVERSY IN WHICH SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL HAVE BEEN RENDERED. S 2. Paragraph (b) of subdivision 11 of section 310 of the executive law, as amended by chapter 506 of the laws of 2009, is amended to read as follows: (b) a "state authority," as defined in subdivision one of section two of the public authorities law, and the following: Albany County Airport Authority; Albany Port District Commission; Alfred, Almond, Hornellsville Sewer Authority; Battery Park City Authority; Cayuga County Water and Sewer Authority; (Nelson A. Rockefeller) Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation; Industrial Exhibit Authority; Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority; Long Island Power Authority; Long Island Rail Road; Long Island Market Authority; Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority; Metro-North Commuter Railroad; Metropolitan Suburban Bus Authority; Metropolitan Transportation Authority; Natural Heritage Trust; New York City Transit Authority; New York Convention Center Operating Corporation; New York State Bridge Authority; New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority; New York State Thruway Authority; Niagara Falls Public Water Authority; Niagara Falls Water Board; NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY; Port of Oswego Authority; Power Authority of the State of New York; Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation; Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority; State Insurance Fund; Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority; State University Construction Fund; Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Upper Mohawk valley regional water board. Upper Mohawk valley regional water finance authority. Upper Mohawk valley memorial auditorium authority. Urban Development Corporation and its subsidiary corporations. S 3. This act shall take effect immediately; provided that the amend- ments to paragraph (b) of subdivision 11 of section 310 of the executive law made by section two of this act shall take effect on the same date as section 21 of chapter 506 of the laws of 2009 takes effect and shall not affect the expiration of such section and shall expire and be deemed repealed therewith.
Co-Sponsors
Joseph A. Griffo
(R, C) 53rd Senate District
Betty Little
(R, C, IP) 0 Senate District
S2813C (ACTIVE) - Details
- See Assembly Version of this Bill:
- A6694
- Law Section:
- Public Authorities Law
- Laws Affected:
- Add Art 5 Title 1-B §§1021 - 1021-s, amd §51, Pub Auth L
S2813C (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER:S2813C TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing the North Country power authority, and providing for its powers and duties PURPOSE OF BILL: To create a public benefit corporation, a political subdivision of the state, to provide electric power services to designated municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Establishes the North Country Power Authority to provide electric power services to designated municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, to be governed by a board of directors with overlapping terms, with enumerated powers to acquire, own, operate and finance facilities to provide electric power services, to issue bonds of up to 50 years and notes and other debt obligations of up to 5 years, which securities are to be general obligations of the authority without any state or municipal liability, permitting sale of surplus power and establishment of subsidiaries, subjecting the authority to conflict of interest prohibitions, deposit and investment controls, annual auditing and reporting to state and local officials and the public, and mandating periodic legislative reviews
starting in 2050 and discretionary termination through statute after each such review subject to terms of the authority's securities, together with attendant provisions for implementing and conducting its financing and operating responsibilities. JUSTIFICATION: Enabling legislation is essential to establish a public power utility to finance and operate a municipal electric system serving a group of 24 municipalities in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, all of which have endorsed the creation of the authority and the proposed legislation. These counties in the North Country constitute an area where economic growth has been lagging for years and one that faces very high rates for electric services to residential and commercial consumers. The affected municipalities are committed to securing lower electricity rates, greater service reliability, local public control and future emphasis on energy, conservation and sustainability through this new public power utility, built on a model common in this country. The public authority is necessary to provide financing, which would be stand-alone revenue bonding without any recourse to the state or the municipalities. The act, is replete with good governance provisions, financial discipline measures, transparency and reporting requirements, and accountability to the governor, the legislature, the municipalities and the public to beserved. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: S.8257-A - 2008 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None. LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None. EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediate.
S2813C (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 2813--C Cal. No. 197 2009-2010 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E March 3, 2009 ___________ Introduced by Sens. AUBERTINE, GRIFFO, LITTLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications -- reported favorably from said committee and committed to the Committee on Finance -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit- tee -- recommitted to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit- tee -- reported favorably from said committee and committed to the Committee on Finance -- reported favorably from said committee, ordered to first and second report, ordered to a third reading, passed by Senate and delivered to the Assembly, recalled, vote reconsidered, restored to third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing the North Country power authority, and providing for its powers and duties THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Article 5 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new title 1-B to read as follows: TITLE 1-B NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SECTION 1021. SHORT TITLE. 1021-A. DEFINITIONS. 1021-B. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY. 1021-C. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SERVICE AREA; EXTENSION OF SERVICE AREA. 1021-D. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-E. DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-F. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07083-23-0 S. 2813--C 2 1021-G. SALE OF SURPLUS POWER. 1021-H. AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 1021-I. BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1021-J. STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE ON BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. 1021-K. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. 1021-L. EXEMPTION OF THE AUTHORITY FROM TAXATION. 1021-M. ACTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1021-N. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. 1021-O. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION. 1021-P. WEBSITE. 1021-Q. PREVAILING WAGE. 1021-R. PERIODIC REVIEW BY LEGISLATURE. 1021-S. SEVERABILITY. S 1021. SHORT TITLE. THIS TITLE SHALL BE KNOWN AND MAY BE CITED AS THE "NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ACT". S 1021-A. DEFINITIONS. AS USED OR REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE, UNLESS A DIFFERENT MEANING CLEARLY APPEARS FROM THE CONTEXT: 1. "ACQUIRE" MEANS, WITH RESPECT TO ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN OR TO ANY PROPERTY, EITHER THE ACT OF TAKING BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN, OR THE ACQUISITION BY PURCHASE OR OTHERWISE. 2. "ACT" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ACT, BEING THIS TITLE. 3. "AUTHORITY" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED BY SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-B OF THIS TITLE. 4. "COMMISSION" MEANS THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION. 5. "COMPTROLLER" MEANS THE STATE COMPTROLLER. 6. "DIRECTORS" MEANS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY. 7. "FEDERAL GOVERNMENT" MEANS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND ANY AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY, CORPORATE OR OTHERWISE, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 8. "FINAL DETERMINATION" OR "FINALLY DETERMINED" MEANS A JUDICIAL DECISION (A) BY THE HIGHEST COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, OR (B) BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FROM WHICH NO APPEAL HAS BEEN TAKEN AND THE TIME WITHIN WHICH TO APPEAL HAS EXPIRED. 9. "NCPA" MEANS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY, AND ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. 10. "MUNICIPALITY" MEANS ANY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN, VILLAGE, MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, SCHOOL DISTRICT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, INCLUDING ANY AGENCY, AUTHORITY OR PUBLIC CORPORATION OF THE STATE OR ANY OF THE FOREGOING, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF, OTHER THAN THE AUTHORITY. 11. "PROPERTY" MEANS THE POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OR SYSTEMS OF THE AUTHORITY, WHETHER COMPLETED FACILITIES OR PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION, WHETHER SITUATED WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING THE PLANTS, WORKS, STRUCTURES, POLES, LINES, CONDUITS, MAINS, SYSTEMS, INSTRUMENTALITIES OR PARTS THEREOF AND APPURTENANCES THERETO, LANDS, FRANCHISES AND INTEREST IN LAND, INCLUDING LANDS UNDER WATER AND RIPARIAN RIGHTS, SPACE RIGHTS AND AIR RIGHTS, CONTRACT RIGHTS, SUBSTATIONS, AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES, OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY INCI- DENTAL TO AND INCLUDED IN SUCH SYSTEM OR PART THEREOF, AND ANY IMPROVE- MENTS, EXTENSIONS OR BETTERMENTS. THE TERM "PROPERTY" SHALL ALSO INCLUDE ANY AND ALL INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY LESS THAN FULL TITLE, SUCH AS EASEMENTS, RIGHTS OF WAY, USES, LEASES, LICENSES AND ALL OTHER INCORPO- REAL HEREDITAMENTS AND EVERY ESTATE, INTEREST OR RIGHT, LEGAL OR EQUITA- BLE, INCLUDING TERMS FOR YEARS AND LIENS THEREON BY WAY OF JUDGMENTS, S. 2813--C 3 MORTGAGES OR OTHERWISE, AND ALSO ALL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES RELATED TO SUCH REAL ESTATE. 12. "REVENUES" MEANS ALL RATES, RENTS, FEES, CHARGES, PAYMENTS AND OTHER INCOME AND RECEIPTS DERIVED BY THE AUTHORITY FROM THE OPERATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY OTHER THAN THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALES OF ITS SECURITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INVESTMENT PROCEEDS AND PROCEEDS OF INSURANCE, CONDEMNATION, AND SALES OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF ASSETS, TOGETHER WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE OR MUNICIPAL AID. 13. "SECURITY" MEANS ANY BOND, NOTE OR OTHER OBLIGATION ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY. 14. "STATE" MEANS THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 15. "STATE AGENCY" MEANS ANY BOARD, AUTHORITY, AGENCY, DEPARTMENT, COMMISSION, PUBLIC CORPORATION, BODY POLITIC OR INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE STATE. S 1021-B. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY. 1. A CORPORATION KNOWN AS THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED AND CHARGED WITH THE DUTIES AND HAVING THE POWERS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE A STATE AUTHORITY, A BODY CORPORATE AND POLITIC CONSTITUTING A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE, EXERCISING GOVERNMENTAL AND PUBLIC POWERS, PERPETUAL IN DURATION, CAPABLE OF SUING AND BEING SUED AND HAVING A SEAL, AND WHICH SHALL HAVE THE POWERS AND DUTIES ENUMERATED IN THIS TITLE, TOGETHER WITH SUCH OTHERS AS MAY BE CONFERRED UPON IT BY LAW. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTING OF NINE DIRECTORS, TO BE RESIDENTS OF THE SERVICE AREA, AND TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. SEVEN SUCH DIRECTORS SHALL BE APPOINTED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERVISORS AND MAYORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE FOLLOWING REGIONS, WITH THE DESIGNATIONS TO BE MADE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: THE VILLAGE OF POTSDAM WILL DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE VILLAGE OF CANTON AND THE TOWN OF CANTON WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVER- NOR; THE TOWNS OF BOMBAY, BRASHER, FORT COVINGTON, MOIRA AND WESTVILLE WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF FOWLER AND GOUVERNEUR WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF LISBON, LOUISVILLE, MADRID, NORFOLK AND WADDINGTON WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; THE TOWNS OF POTSDAM, STOCKHOLM, COLTON AND THE VILLAGE OF NORWOOD WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR; AND THE TOWNS OF DEKALB, EDWARDS, HERMON, RUSSELL AND PIERREPONT WILL JOINTLY DESIGNATE ONE DESIGNEE TO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR. EVERY DECADE THE DIRECTORS SHALL EXAMINE THE POPULATION OF THE SEVEN REGIONS, AND IF NEEDED, ADJUST THE MAKE-UP OR DEMARCATION OF THE REGIONS, FOR THE NECESSITY OR CONVENIENCE OF PERFORM- ING ITS FUNCTIONS AND ADMINISTERING ITS AFFAIRS AND TO MAINTAIN A REASONABLE EQUALITY OF POPULATION BETWEEN THE REGIONS. THE GOVERNOR SHALL SELECT ONE OF THE DIRECTORS TO SERVE AS CHAIR, AND SUCH CHAIR SHALL SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE GOVERNOR. THE TERM OF OFFICE OF A DIRECTOR, INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR SERVING AS CHAIR, SHALL BE FIVE YEARS, BUT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE SUCH DIRECTORS SHALL BE APPOINTED TO HOLD OFFICE AS FOLLOWS: THREE FOR ONE YEAR; THREE FOR THREE YEARS; AND THREE FOR FIVE YEARS. UPON RESIGNATION OF A DIRECTOR, OR A VACANCY OCCURRING IN ANY OTHER MANNER, SUCH VACANCY SHALL BE FILLED BY APPOINTMENT FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM. IN OTHER RESPECTS, ALL VACANCIES SHALL BE FILLED IN THE MANNER CORRESPONDING TO THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT. EACH DIRECTOR SHALL CONTINUE TO HOLD OFFICE AND SERVE UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINTED, QUALI- FIED AND ASSUMES OFFICE. S. 2813--C 4 3. THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION BUT SHALL BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT OF THEIR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR OFFICIAL DUTIES, AS MAY BE AUTHOR- IZED BY THE DIRECTORS, IN EACH CASE UPON APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION BY THE SUBMITTING DIRECTOR. NO DIRECTOR OR ANY ENTITY, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH IS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY ANY DIRECTOR, SHALL RECEIVE ANY ADDI- TIONAL COMPENSATION FROM NCPA OR BE EMPLOYED BY NCPA IN ANY OTHER CAPAC- ITY BY WHATEVER MEANS. 4. FIVE DIRECTORS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS, AND THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF FIVE DIRECTORS AT A MEETING SHALL BE NECESSARY TO THE VALIDITY OF ANY RESOLUTION, ORDER OR DETERMINATION. THE DIRECTORS, IN BY-LAWS OR BY RESOLUTION, MAY ALLOW FOR ATTENDANCE AT A MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS BY SPEAKER PHONE OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS BY WHICH ALL MEETING PARTICIPANTS CAN HEAR ONE ANOTHER. 5. THE DIRECTORS SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF NOT LESS THAN THREE DIRECTORS AND SHALL DELEGATE SUCH DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AS IT MAY DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME, EXCEPT THAT THE DIRECTORS SHALL NOT DELEGATE TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THE POWER TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES. THE DIREC- TORS MAY APPOINT SUCH ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES WITH SUCH DUTIES AND RESPON- SIBILITIES AS THEY MAY DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME. 6. (A) THE DIRECTORS SHALL FROM TIME TO TIME SELECT SUCH OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SUCH ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL OFFICERS, AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUD- ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACCOUNTING, PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION, FINANCE, APPRAISAL, BANKING AND TRUSTEE SERVICES, AS THE DIRECTORS MAY REQUIRE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES AND SHALL PRESCRIBE THE DUTIES AND COMPENSATION OF EACH SUCH OFFICER AND EMPLOYEE. (B) IF ANY EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AS A CONSEQUENCE OF AN ACQUISITION OF THE ASSETS OF NATIONAL GRID, THEY SHALL BE HIRED SUBJECT AND BE ENTITLED TO ALL APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF (I) ANY EXISTING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS WITH LABOR UNIONS AND (II) ALL EXISTING PENSION OR OTHER RETIREMENT PLANS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF ANY GENERAL, SPECIAL OR LOCAL LAW, THE BOARD MAY DETERMINE THAT SUCH CLASS OF EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHOR- ITY MAY ELECT TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK STATE EMPLOYEES' RETIRE- MENT SYSTEM ON THE BASIS OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO THEM BY THE AUTHORI- TY. 7. (A) THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBJECT IN ALL RESPECTS TO THE GENERAL SUPERVISION AND JURISDICTION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION IN THE SAME MANNER AS A MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITY IS SUBJECT TO THE JURISDIC- TION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION UNDER THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW. (B) THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT MAKE ANY COMMITMENT, ENTER INTO ANY AGREE- MENT NOR INCUR ANY INDEBTEDNESS UNLESS PRIOR APPROVAL HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC AUTHORITIES CONTROL BOARD PURSUANT TO ARTICLE ONE-A OF THIS CHAPTER. (C) IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE POWERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, PRIOR TO ACQUIRING ANY PROPERTY AND COMMENCING OPERATIONS, THE AUTHORITY SHALL SECURE AN ORDER FROM THE COMMISSION AUTHORIZING SUCH ACQUISITION AND COMMENCEMENT. THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DENY THE AUTHORITY'S APPLICATION TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY AND COMMENCE OPERATIONS. THE AUTHORITY SHALL COMPLY WITH ANY AND ALL REQUESTS FOR DOCUMENTS, MATERI- ALS, AND TESTIMONY THAT THE COMMISSION MAY SEEK. THE COMMISSION SHALL CONSIDER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING FACTORS BEFORE ISSUING AN ORDER: RATEPAYER IMPACTS; SYSTEM RELIABILITY; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES; PRESERVATION OR CREATION OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES; POWER EFFICIENCY AND AVAILABILITY; PUBLIC HEALTH S. 2813--C 5 AND WELFARE; AND ANY OTHER FACTOR IT DEEMS RELEVANT. THE AUTHORITY GRANTED PURSUANT TO THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL TERMINATE UPON COMMENCEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION OF POWER. 8. THE AUTHORITY AND ITS CORPORATE EXISTENCE SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED BY LAW, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO SUCH LAW SHALL TAKE EFFECT SO LONG AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE SECURITIES OUTSTANDING, UNLESS ADEQUATE PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF. 9. IN THE EVENT THAT THE AUTHORITY DOES NOT COMMENCE DELIVERING ELEC- TRIC POWER WITHIN TEN YEARS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY SHALL CEASE TO EXIST AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE SHALL BE OF NO FURTHER FORCE AND EFFECT, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER DEBT OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING. S 1021-C. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SERVICE AREA; EXTENSION OF SERVICE AREA. 1. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE ALL THE TERRITORY LOCATED WITHIN SO MUCH OF THE COUNTY OF FRANKLIN AS CONSTITUTES THE TOWNS OF BOMBAY, FORT COVINGTON, MOIRA AND WESTVILLE, AND SO MUCH OF THE COUNTY OF ST. LAWRENCE AS CONSTITUTES THE TOWNS OF BRASHER, CANTON, COLTON, DEKALB, EDWARDS, FOWLER, GOUVERNEUR, HERMON, LISBON, LOUISVILLE, MADRID, NORFOLK, PIERREPONT, POTSDAM, RUSSELL, STOCKHOLM, AND WADDINGTON AND THE VILLAGES OF CANTON, NORWOOD, AND POTSDAM OR SUCH PORTIONS THEREOF AS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, BUT THE SERVICE AREA SHALL EXCLUDE THE PORTIONS OF SAID MUNI- CIPALITIES IN FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES WHICH ARE SERVED AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS TITLE BY ANOTHER EXISTING NON-PROFIT MUNICI- PAL ELECTRIC UTILITY. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE SUCH OTHER TERRITORIES, AS SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS, WHOLLY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, AND ADJACENT TO ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED MUNICIPALITIES, IN WHICH RATE PAYERS RELY ON UNINTERRUPTED ELECTRIC SERVICE FROM POWER FACILITIES OF THE AUTHORITY LOCATED WITHIN SAID MUNICIPALITIES. A MAP OF THE SERVICE AREA SHALL BE FILED IN THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY CLERKS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. 2. THE SERVICE AREA OF THE NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY MAY BE EXTENDED AT ANY TIME TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES BY THE DIRECTORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE, PROVIDED HOWEVER, THE PROCEDURE DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH ANY RULE OR REGULATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER LAW. WHENEVER THE DIRECTORS DETERMINE THAT THE TERRITORY INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA SHOULD BE EXTENDED, CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, THE DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY, WHOLLY WITHIN FRANKLIN OR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, TO BE INCLUDED, WHICH MAY BE ALL THE TERRITORY WITHIN ONE OR MORE NAMED MUNI- CIPALITIES OR, BY ADEQUATE DESCRIPTION, A PORTION OF ANY SUCH MUNICI- PALITY OR MUNICIPALITIES. THE DIRECTORS SHALL FIX THE DATES, HOURS AND PLACES FOR THREE PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE SUCH DIRECTORS UPON THE QUESTION OF SUCH EXTENSION AND CAUSE NOTICE THEREOF AND OF THE ADDITIONAL TERRI- TORY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA TO BE PUBLISHED IN TWO NEWS- PAPERS OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE COUNTY NOT LESS THAN TWENTY NOR MORE THAN THIRTY DAYS BEFORE SUCH DATE. AT LEAST ONE OF SUCH HEARING SHALL BE HELD WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL TERRITORY. AT SUCH TIME THE DIRECTORS SHALL HEAR ALL PERSONS, TAXPAYERS OR OFFICIALS WHO MAY WISH TO BE HEARD AND SHALL FINALLY DETERMINE THE ADDITIONAL TERRITORY, IF ANY, TO BE INCLUDED IN SUCH EXTENSION. SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL BE MADE BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS ADOPTED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF ALL DIRECTORS THEN IN OFFICE. A MAP OF THE SERVICE AREA, AS S. 2813--C 6 EXTENDED, SHALL THEREUPON BE FILED IN THE OFFICES OF THE COUNTY CLERKS OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES. S 1021-D. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE POWERS CONFERRED BY THIS TITLE SHALL BE EXERCISED BY THE DIRECTORS, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THIS TITLE. IN THE EXERCISE OF THOSE POWERS, EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH ITS OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, THE DIRECTORS MAY DO THE FOLLOWING THINGS, AMONG OTHERS, AND THE FOLLOWING LIST OF POWERS SHALL NOT BE DEEMED COMPLETE OR EXCLUSIVE, OR TO DENY THE EXISTENCE OF OTHER POWERS, WHETHER SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT, SO LONG AS THEY ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE PURPOSES DECLARED AND INDICATED IN THIS TITLE: 1. TO MAKE AND ALTER BY-LAWS FOR THE REGULATION OF ITS AFFAIRS AND CONDUCT OF ITS ACTIVITIES, TO SCHEDULE ANNUAL, REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEET- INGS OF THE DIRECTORS, AS THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF THE AUTHORITY MAY WARRANT, AND TO ADOPT AND AMEND AN OFFICIAL SEAL; 2. TO DEVELOP, ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, RECONSTRUCT, REHABILITATE AND IMPROVE FACILITIES FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER OR ANY CONNECTED SERVICE; 3. TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION, TYPE, SIZE, CONSTRUCTION, LEASE, PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, ACQUISITION, USE AND OPERATION OF ANY FACILITIES OR OTHER STRUCTURE OR PROPERTY, WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE SERVICE AREA; 4. TO INVESTIGATE, IMPLEMENT AND INTEGRATE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PRACTICABLE AND ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE, SUCH RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT INTENDED TO REDUCE POWER DEMAND AND USAGE, UTILIZE GREEN TECHNOLOGIES, ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE FUELS, NET METERING AND DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAMS, ALL AS INTEGRAL ELEMENTS IN ITS INVESTMENTS IN NEW EQUIPMENT FOR DISTRIBUTION OF POWER, AND IN ITS MARKETING AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY TO CONSUMERS; 5. TO ACQUIRE ON BEHALF OF AND IN THE NAME OF THE AUTHORITY, WHETHER BY AGREEMENT WITH AND PURCHASE FROM THE OWNER OR OWNERS, OR BY ARBI- TRATION, OR WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA BY EMINENT DOMAIN, PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN THE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURE LAW, OR BY LEASE, THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF ANY EXISTING FACILITIES OR OF ANY OTHER PROPER- TY TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH POWER DISTRIBUTION BY THE AUTHORITY AS SET OUT IN THIS TITLE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY OF A MUNICIPALITY OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE UNLESS SUCH MUNICIPALITY OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION SHALL CONSENT THERETO; AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT ACQUIRE BY THE EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN ANY TRANSMISSION OR GENERATION FACILITIES; AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT ACQUIRE BY THE EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN ANY FACILITIES FOR DISTRIBUTION OPERATING AT A VOLTAGE IN EXCESS OF TWENTY-TWO THOUSAND VOLTS FROM ANY PERSON, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY TO ULTIMATE CUSTOMERS UNLESS THE AUTHORITY IS UNABLE TO ACQUIRE BY CONTRACT WITH THE OWNERS OR OPERATORS THEREOF, THE RIGHT TO USE SUCH FACILITIES ON JUST, REASONABLE AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY TERMS. IN THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN, AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUBDIVISION, THE PROPERTY BEING ACQUIRED SHALL BE DEEMED, WHEN SO DETERMINED BY THE AUTHORITY, TO BE FOR A PUBLIC USE; 6. TO DISTRIBUTE ELECTRIC POWER AND ANY CONNECTED SERVICES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA, TO FIX RATES AND CHARGES FOR THE FURNISHING OR RENDITION OF ELECTRIC POWER OR OF ANY CONNECTED SERVICE, AND TO COLLECT REVENUES. PROVIDED HOWEVER, THAT PRIOR TO THE FIRST SALE OF ELECTRIC POWER OR ANY CONNECTED SERVICE, THE AUTHORITY SHALL PROMULGATE REGULATIONS GRANTING TO CUSTOMERS THE PROTECTIONS AFFORDED BY ARTICLE TWO OF THE PUBLIC S. 2813--C 7 SERVICE LAW AND SECTION ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE-S OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW; 7. TO MAINTAIN, OPERATE AND MANAGE, AND CONTRACT FOR THE MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTIES OF THE AUTHORITY; 8. TO APPLY TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS OF THE FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SUCH LICENSES, PERMITS OR APPROVALS FOR ITS PLANS AND PROJECTS AS IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY OR ADVISABLE, AND UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS IT MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE TO ACCEPT, IN ITS DISCRETION, SUCH LICENSES, PERMITS OR APPROVALS AS MAY BE TENDERED TO IT BY SUCH AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS; 9. TO ENTER UPON SUCH LANDS, WATERS OR PREMISES AS IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING SURVEYS, SOUNDINGS, BORINGS AND EXAMINATIONS TO ACCOMPLISH ANY PURPOSE AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE, THE AUTHORITY BEING LIABLE ONLY FOR ACTUAL DAMAGES DONE; 10. TO ENTER INTO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER AUTHORITIES, MUNI- CIPALITIES, UTILITY COMPANIES, INDIVIDUALS, FIRMS OR CORPORATIONS, AND THE DOMINION OF CANADA AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, FOR THE INTERCON- NECTION OF FACILITIES AND THE EXCHANGE OR INTERCHANGE OF ELECTRIC POWER OR CONNECTED SERVICES, UPON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SHALL BE DETER- MINED TO BE REASONABLE; 11. TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS, BORROW MONEY, ISSUE BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS AS PROVIDED IN SECTION ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE-I OF THIS TITLE, AND SELL THE SAME IN SUCH AMOUNTS AND AT SUCH PRICES, INTEREST RATES AND OTHER FINANCIAL TERMS AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE DIRECTORS; 12. TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO PURCHASE POWER FROM THE POWER AUTHORI- TY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, THE STATE, ANY STATE AGENCY, ANY MUNICI- PALITY, ANY PRIVATE ENTITY OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE SOURCE AT SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS MAY BE NEGOTIATED, INCLUDING THE POWER TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT OR ANY NEGOTIATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF POWER FROM THE DOMINION OF CANADA, OR ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION, PUBLIC AUTHORITY OR PRIVATE CORPORATION THEREIN; 13. TO MAKE ANY PLANS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATIONS WHICH IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE TO ENABLE IT EFFECTUALLY TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; 14. TO DO WHATEVER MAY BE NECESSARY TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE, AND IN GENERAL TO HAVE AND EXERCISE ALL OTHER POWERS NECES- SARY OR INCIDENTAL TO THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE. S 1021-E. DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. ALL MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY, FROM WHATEVER SOURCE DERIVED, EXCEPT AS OTHER- WISE AUTHORIZED OR PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE, SHALL UPON RECEIPT BE DEPOS- ITED FORTHWITH IN A BANK OR BANKS DESIGNATED BY THE DIRECTORS, TO BE SELECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH STANDARDS AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL SET FORTH IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY, WHICH STANDARDS SHALL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CREDITWORTHINESS AND CAPITAL POSI- TION OF THE DEPOSITARY BANK OR BANKS. THE MONEYS IN SUCH ACCOUNTS MAY BE INVESTED IN OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE OR THE UNITED STATES, OR GUARANTEED BY EITHER IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRACTICES THAT THE DIRECTORS SHALL SET FORTH IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE MONEYS IN SUCH ACCOUNTS SHALL BE WITHDRAWN ON THE ORDER OF SUCH PERSON OR PERSONS AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL AUTHORIZE IN THE BY-LAWS OF THE AUTHORITY AND SHALL BE APPLIED TO THE USE OF THE AUTHORITY AS THE DIREC- TORS SHALL AUTHORIZE IN THE BY-LAWS OF THE AUTHORITY. ALL DEPOSITS OF SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE SECURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION TWENTY-NINE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE OF THIS CHAPTER. THE STATE COMPTROLLER AND HIS LEGALLY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES ARE AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED FROM TIME TO TIME TO EXAMINE THE ACCOUNTS AND BOOKS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUD- S. 2813--C 8 ING ITS RECEIPTS, DISBURSEMENTS, CONTRACTS, LEASES, SINKING FUNDS, INVESTMENTS AND ANY OTHER RECORDS AND PAPERS RELATING TO ITS FINANCIAL STANDING; THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY A FEE FOR ANY SUCH EXAMINATION. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER TO CONTRACT WITH HOLDERS OF ANY OF ITS BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, OR ANY TRUSTEE THEREFOR, AS TO THE CUSTODY, COLLECTION, SECURING, INVESTMENT AND PAYMENT OF ANY MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY AND OF ANY MONEYS HELD IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, AND TO CARRY OUT ANY SUCH CONTRACT. MONEYS HELD IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR IN ANY WAY TO SECURE BONDS OR NOTES OR OBLIGATIONS AND DEPOSITS OF SUCH MONEYS SHALL BE SECURED IN FULL IN DIRECT OBLIGATIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THE PAYMENT OF WHICH IS GUARANTEED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SUCH INVESTMENTS SHALL BE HELD ON DEPOSIT ONLY IN BANKS HAVING A MINIMUM CREDIT RATING AND A MINIMUM ACCUMULATED CAPITAL, AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL SPECIFY IN THE BY-LAWS OR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES OF THE AUTHORITY. 3. SUBJECT TO AGREEMENTS WITH NOTEHOLDERS AND BONDHOLDERS OR ANY TRUS- TEE THEREFOR, THE AUTHORITY SHALL PRESCRIBE A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES. 4. THE DIRECTORS SHALL ADOPT INVESTMENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS TO IMPLEMENT THE FOREGOING PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, WHICH GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS SHALL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY BY THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO STATE AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND TO THE PUBLIC. S 1021-F. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT AS A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE OF THIS CHAPTER. IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH SECTION: 1. IF ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE AN INTEREST, EITHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IN ANY CONTRACT TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS OR IS TO BE A PARTY, SUCH INTEREST SHALL BE DISCLOSED TO THE AUTHORITY IN WRITING AND SHALL BE SET FORTH IN THE MINUTES OF THE AUTHORITY. THE DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE HAVING SUCH INTEREST SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTION BY THE AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CONTRACT. 2. NO DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE SUCH AN INTEREST SOLELY BY REASON OF THE OWNERSHIP OF TWO PERCENT OR LESS OF THE SECURITIES OF A CORPORATION WHICH IS OR IS TO BE A PARTY TO A CONTRACT WITH THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE HOLDING COMPANY OF ANY BANKING INSTITUTION IN WHICH THE FUNDS OF THE AUTHORITY ARE, OR ARE TO BE DEPOSITED, OR WHICH IS OR IS TO BE ACTING AS TRUSTEE OR PAYING AGENT UNDER ANY BOND OR NOTE RESOLUTION, TRUST INDEN- TURE OR SIMILAR INSTRUMENT TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS A PARTY. 3. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEEMED OR CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE RIGHT OF ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE AN INTEREST IN THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY. S 1021-G. SALE OF SURPLUS POWER. WHENEVER ANY ELECTRIC POWER WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY ACQUIRE CREATES A SURPLUS OVER THE AMOUNT OF ELECTRIC POWER REQUIRED BY THE RESIDENTS OF THE SERVICE AREA, THE AUTHORITY MAY SELL SUCH SURPLUS IN TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE SERVICE AREA TO PERSONS, OR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS. IN ACQUIRING ANY FACILITY OR PROPERTY WHICH ALSO SERVES ANY MUNICIPALITY OR TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE SERVICE AREA, THE AUTHORITY, IF IT DEEMS IT ADVANTAGEOUS AND ECONOMICAL SO TO DO, MAY, WITH THE CONSENT OF THE DIRECTORS, SERVE ANY SUCH MUNICIPALITY OR TERRITORY OR SELL ELECTRIC POWER TO PERSONS, OR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE CORPORATIONS IN SUCH TERRITORY OR TO SUCH MUNICIPALITY. S. 2813--C 9 S 1021-H. AUDIT AND ANNUAL REPORTS. 1. 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 SELECTED BY THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICI- PALITIES SERVED BY THE NCPA AND TO THE PUBLIC. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL SUBMIT A DETAILED ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO AND AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT HUNDRED OF THIS CHAPTER, AND A COPY OF SUCH REPORT SHALL BE FILED WITH THE COUNTY EXECUTIVES OF THE COUNTIES OF FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE, AND WITH THE MAYORS AND SUPERVISORS OF THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA AND SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MUNICIPALITIES SERVED BY THE NCPA AND TO THE PUBLIC. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE DEEMED TO EXEMPT THE AUTHORITY FROM ANY RULE OR REGU- LATION, INCLUDING PUBLIC AUTHORITIES LAW. S 1021-I. BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 1. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER AND IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED FROM TIME TO TIME TO ISSUE ITS BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING ANY CAPITAL PROJECT AUTHORIZED BY THIS TITLE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ACQUISITION OF ANY REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY OR FACILITIES DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE AUTHORITY, DEVELOPMENT AND PROFES- SIONAL EXPENSES, AND FUNDING ANY CAPITAL OR OTHER RESERVE FUNDS ESTAB- LISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE AUTHORITY'S OPERATIONS OR ISSUANCES, IN SUCH PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL DETERMINE NECESSARY TO PERFORM ITS CORPORATE DUTIES AND FURTHER ITS PURPOSES AS AUTHORIZED IN THIS TITLE. THE MAXIMUM MATURITY OF ANY SUCH BOND SHALL NOT EXCEED THIR- TY YEARS FROM ITS DATE OF ISSUANCE. THE MAXIMUM MATURITY OF ANY SUCH NOTE OR OTHER OBLIGATION SHALL NOT EXCEED FIVE YEARS FROM ITS DATE OF ISSUANCE. 2. EXCEPT AS MAY BE OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORITY, THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, SHALL BE GENERAL OBLI- GATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY PAYABLE OUT OF ANY MONEYS OR REVENUES OF THE AUTHORITY, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOLDERS OF PARTICULAR BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS PLEDGING ANY PARTICULAR MONEYS OR REVENUES. 3. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER FROM TIME TO TIME, WHENEVER IT DEEMS REFUNDING EXPEDIENT, TO REFUND ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS BY THE ISSUANCE OF NEW BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, UP TO ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS IN THE AGGREGATE, WHETHER THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO BE REFUNDED HAVE OR HAVE NOT MATURED, AND MAY ISSUE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS PARTLY TO REFUND BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS THEN OUTSTANDING AND PARTLY FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION. REFUNDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO BE REFUNDED, WITH SUCH CASH ADJUSTMENTS AS MAY BE AGREED, OR MAY BE SOLD WITH THE PROCEEDS APPLIED TO THE PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF THE BONDS TO BE REFUNDED. 4. BONDS MAY BE ISSUED EITHER IN A SERIES WITH MULTIPLE DISCRETE MATU- RITY DATES OR AS TERM BONDS WITH A SINGLE MATURITY DATE. THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION OF THE DIRECTORS AND SHALL BEAR SUCH DATE OR DATES, MATURE AT SUCH TIME OR TIMES, BEAR INTEREST AT SUCH RATE OR RATES, PAYABLE ANNUALLY OR SEMI-AN- NUALLY, BE IN SUCH DENOMINATIONS, BE IN SUCH FORM, CARRY SUCH REGISTRA- TION PRIVILEGES, BE EXECUTED IN SUCH MANNER, BE PAYABLE IN LAWFUL MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT SUCH PLACE OR PLACES, AND BE SUBJECT TO SUCH TERMS OF REDEMPTION, AS SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS MAY PROVIDE. IN THE EVENT THAT TERM BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ARE S. 2813--C 10 ISSUED, THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAME MAY MAKE SUCH PROVISIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ADEQUATE SINKING FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF, AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DEEM NECESSARY. 5. THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY MAY BE SOLD AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE FOR SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL DETERMINE. FOR A PRIVATE SALE OF ITS SECURITIES, THE AUTHORITY SHALL OBTAIN THE WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE TERMS OF SUCH SALE FROM THE COMPTROLLER IF SUCH SALE IS TO A PARTY OTHER THAN THE COMPTROLLER, OR FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET WHERE SUCH SALE IS TO THE COMPTROLLER, IN EITHER CASE PRIOR TO CLOSING THE ISSUANCE TRANSACTION. 6. ANY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ANY ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS MAY CONTAIN PROVISIONS, WHICH SHALL BE A PART OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND THE HOLDERS OF THE ISSUED SECURITIES, AS TO: (A) PLEDGING ALL OR ANY PART OF THE REVENUES OF THE AUTHORITY OR ITS PROJECTS OR ANY REVENUE PRODUCING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITY WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL, PARTNERSHIP, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY; (B) PLEDGING, ASSIGNING OR CREATING A LIEN ON ALL OR ANY PART OF ASSETS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING MORTGAGES AND OBLIGATIONS SECURITY MORTGAGES, TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREE- MENTS WITH HOLDERS OF SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY; (C) THE SETTING ASIDE OF RESERVES OR SINKING FUNDS, AND THE REGULATION AND DISPOSITION THEREOF; (D) ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL FUNDS FOR DEPOSIT OF MONEYS RECEIVED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES AS THE DIRECTORS SHALL DETER- MINE, CONSISTENT WITH THE AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION AND THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE; (E) LIMITATIONS ON THE PURPOSE TO WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF SALE OF ANY ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS THEN OR THEREAFTER TO BE ISSUED MAY BE APPLIED AND PLEDGING SUCH PROCEEDS TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; (F) LIMITATIONS OF THE ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; THE TERMS UPON WHICH ADDITIONAL BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS MAY BE ISSUED AND SECURED; AND THE REFUNDING OF OUTSTANDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS; (G) THE PROCEDURE, IF ANY, BY WHICH THE TERMS OF ANY CONTRACT WITH BONDHOLDERS MAY BE AMENDED OR ABROGATED, THE AMOUNT OF BONDS THE HOLDERS OF WHICH MUST CONSENT THERETO, AND THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH CONSENT MAY BE GIVEN; (H) PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND POWERS OF A TRUSTEE FOR HOLDERS OF SECURITIES, AND THE RIGHTS, POWERS AND DUTIES OF SUCH TRUSTEE AS THE DIRECTORS MAY DETERMINE; (I) LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF MONEYS DERIVED FROM A PROJECT TO BE EXPENDED FOR OPERATING, ADMINISTRATIVE OR OTHER EXPENSES OF THE AUTHORI- TY; (J) DEFINING THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS TO ACT WHICH SHALL CONSTITUTE A DEFAULT IN THE DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY TO HOLDERS OF ITS OBLIGATIONS AND PROVIDING THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF SUCH HOLDERS IN THE EVENT OF A DEFAULT PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH RIGHTS AND REMEDIES SHALL NOT BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE AND THE OTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE; AND PROVIDED, FURTHER, HOWEVER, THAT NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE DEEMED TO RESTRICT THE RIGHT OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY TO AMEND, MODIFY OR OTHERWISE ALTER STATUTES, LOCAL LAWS, S. 2813--C 11 ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS OR AGREEMENTS IMPOSING OR RELATING TO TAXES OR FEES OR APPROPRIATIONS RELATING THERETO; AND THERE SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED IN ANY RESOLUTION OR CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT WITH THE HOLDERS OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS AUTHORIZED BY THIS ARTICLE ANY PROVISION WHICH PROVIDES THAT A DEFAULT SHALL OCCUR AS A RESULT OF THE STATE OR OF A MUNICIPALITY EXERCISING ITS RIGHT TO AMEND, MODIFY OR OTHERWISE ALTER LAWS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS OR AGREEMENTS IMPOSING OR RELATING TO TAXES OR FEES OR APPROPRIATIONS RELATING THERETO; AND (K) ANY OTHER PROVISIONS NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THOSE ENUMERATED IN THIS SUBDIVISION AND NECESSARY TO EFFECT ITS ISSUANCES OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS AND THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS OF ITS SECURITIES, OR OTHERWISE IN FURTHERANCE OF ITS CORPORATE PURPOSES. 7. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS TITLE, ANY SUCH RESOL- UTION OR RESOLUTIONS SHALL CONTAIN A COVENANT BY THE AUTHORITY THAT IT WILL AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN RATES, FEES OR CHARGES SUFFICIENT TO PAY, AND THAT ANY CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE AUTHORITY FOR THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF POWER SHALL CONTAIN RATES, FEES OR CHARGES SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE COSTS OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROJECT, THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON ANY OBLIGATIONS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SUCH RESOLUTION AS THE SAME SEVERALLY BECOME DUE AND PAYABLE, AND TO MAINTAIN ANY DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIOS AND ANY RESERVES REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS. PROVIDED HOWEVER, THAT THE TOTAL RATES, FEES, AND CHARGES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PREVAILING ELECTRIC RATE IN THE NORTH COUNTRY. THE PREVAILING ELECTRIC RATE IN THE NORTH COUNTRY SHALL MEAN THE AVERAGE OF THE TOTAL RATES, FEES, AND CHARGES PAID BY CUSTOMERS OF NATIONAL GRID AND NEW YORK STATE ELECTRIC AND GAS, OR ANY SUCCESSORS, IN ST. LAWRENCE, FRANKLIN, AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. COMPLIANCE WITH THE PREVAILING ELECTRIC RATES IN THE NORTH COUNTRY SHALL BE LEFT TO THE SOLE DETERMINATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION. 8. IT IS THE INTENT OF THIS TITLE THAT ANY PLEDGE OF REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR OF A REVENUE PRODUCING CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING FROM THE TIME WHEN THE PLEDGE IS MADE; THAT THE REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR PROCEEDS OF ANY CONTRACT OR CONTRACTS SO PLEDGED AND THEREAFTER RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITY SHALL IMMEDIATELY BE SUBJECT TO THE LIEN OF SUCH PLEDGE WITHOUT ANY PHYSICAL DELIVERY THEREOF OR FURTHER ACT; AND THAT THE LIEN OF ANY SUCH PLEDGE SHALL BE VALID AND BINDING AS AGAINST ALL PARTIES HAVING CLAIMS OF ANY KIND IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE AGAINST THE AUTHORITY IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER SUCH PARTIES HAVE NOTICE THEREOF. NEITHER THE RESOLUTION NOR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT BY WHICH A PLEDGE IS CREATED NEED BE RECORDED. 9. NEITHER THE DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY NOR ANY PERSON EXECUTING THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE LIABLE PERSONALLY ON THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR BE SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL LIABIL- ITY OR ACCOUNTABILITY BY REASON OF THE ISSUANCE THEREOF. 10. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER OUT OF ANY FUNDS AVAILABLE THEREFOR TO PURCHASE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. THE AUTHORITY MAY HOLD, PLEDGE, CANCEL OR RESELL SUCH BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLI- GATIONS, SUBJECT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH AGREEMENTS WITH BONDHOLDERS. 11. ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY ARE HEREBY MADE SECURITIES IN WHICH ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS AND BODIES OF THIS STATE AND ALL MUNICIPALITIES AND MUNICIPAL SUBDIVISIONS, ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER PERSONS CARRYING ON AN INSURANCE BUSINESS, ALL BANKS, BANKERS, TRUST COMPANIES, SAVINGS BANKS AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS, INCLUDING SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND OTHER PERSONS CARRYING ON A BANK- ING BUSINESS, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHATSOEVER WHO ARE AUTHORIZED TO S. 2813--C 12 INVEST IN BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE, MAY PROPERLY AND LEGALLY INVEST FUNDS INCLUDING CAPITAL IN THEIR CONTROL OR BELONGING TO THEM; SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ANY OTHER GENERAL OR SPECIAL LAW TO THE CONTRARY. 12. THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO OBTAIN FROM ANY DEPARTMENT OR AGEN- CY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE STATE OR ANY NONGOVERNMENTAL INSURER OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ANY INSURANCE, GUARANTY OR OTHER CREDIT SUPPORT DEVICE, TO THE EXTENT AVAILABLE, AS TO, OR FOR THE PAYMENT OR REPAYMENT OF INTEREST OR PRINCIPAL, OR BOTH, OR ANY PART THEREOF, ON ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY AND TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH INSURANCE OR GUARANTY, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SAME WOULD IN ANY WAY IMPAIR OR INTERFERE WITH THE ABILITY OF THE AUTHORITY TO PERFORM AND FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENT MADE WITH THE HOLDERS OF OUTSTANDING BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 13. IN ADDITION TO THE POWERS CONFERRED IN THIS SECTION UPON THE AUTHORITY TO SECURE ITS BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS TO ENTER INTO SUCH AGREEMENTS AS THE AUTHORITY MAY DEEM NECESSARY, CONVENIENT OR DESIRABLE CONCERNING THE USE OR DISPOSI- TION OF ITS REVENUES OR OTHER MONEYS OR PROPERTY, AND FOR THE ACQUISI- TION, ALTERATION OR DISPOSITION OF ITS PROPERTY, REAL AND PERSONAL, INCLUDING THE MORTGAGING OF ANY OF ITS PROPERTIES AND THE ENTRUSTING, PLEDGING OR CREATION OF ANY OTHER SECURITY INTEREST IN ANY SUCH REVEN- UES, MONEYS OR PROPERTIES AND THE DOING OF ANY ACT, INCLUDING REFRAINING FROM DOING ANY ACT, WHICH THE AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH AGREEMENTS. THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO ENTER INTO AMENDMENTS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENTS WITHIN THE POWERS GRANTED TO THE AUTHORITY BY THIS TITLE AND TO PERFORM SUCH AGREEMENTS. THE PROVISIONS OF ANY SUCH AGREEMENTS MAY BE MADE A PART OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE HOLDERS OF BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. 14. ALL BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE ARE HEREBY DECLARED TO HAVE ALL THE QUALITIES AND INCIDENTS OF NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE STATE. 15. NOTHING IN THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL BE DEEMED TO ALLOW THE AUTHORITY TO EXCEED ITS ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLAR AGGREGATE DEBT LIMIT. S 1021-J. STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES NOT LIABLE ON BONDS OR NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS. THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT BE A DEBT OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, AND NEITHER THE STATE NOR ANY MUNI- CIPALITY SHALL BE LIABLE THEREON. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT HAVE THE POWER TO PLEDGE OR RESTRICT THE CREDIT, THE REVENUES OR THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, AND NEITHER THE CREDIT, THE REVENUES NOR THE TAXING POWER OF THE STATE OR OF ANY MUNICIPALITY SHALL BE OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE PLEDGED TO THE PAYMENT OF ANY SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY. EACH EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS OF THE AUTHORITY, INCLUDING THE SECURITIES OF THE AUTHORITY, SHALL CONTAIN A CLEAR AND EXPLICIT STATE- MENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE STATE OR ANY MUNICIPALITY TO MAKE ANY PAYMENTS OR IMPOSE ANY TAXES TO SATISFY THE DEBT SERVICE OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. S 1021-K. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. THE STATE DOES HEREBY PLEDGE TO AND AGREE WITH THE HOLDERS OF ANY BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY UNDER THIS TITLE, THAT THE STATE WILL NOT LIMIT OR ALTER THE RIGHTS HEREBY VESTED IN THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH AND COLLECT S. 2813--C 13 THE REVENUES AND OTHER CHARGES REFERRED TO IN THIS TITLE AND TO FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENTS MADE WITH OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF THE SECURITIES, OR IN ANY WAY IMPAIR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE BONDHOLDERS UNTIL SUCH SECURITIES ARE FULLY MET AND DISCHARGED. THE AUTHORITY IS AUTHORIZED TO INCLUDE THIS PLEDGE OF THE STATE IN ALL AGREEMENTS BY THE AUTHORITY WITH THE HOLDERS OF ITS SECURITIES. NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE DEEMED TO RESTRICT ANY RIGHT OF THE STATE OR MUNICIPALITY TO AMEND, MODIFY, REPEAL OR OTHERWISE ALTER STAT- UTES IMPOSING OR RELATING TO TAXES OR FEES, OR APPROPRIATIONS RELATING THERETO. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT INCLUDE WITHIN ANY RESOLUTION, CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT WITH HOLDERS OF THE BONDS, NOTES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE ANY PROVISION WHICH PROVIDES THAT A DEFAULT OCCURS AS A RESULT OF THE STATE OR OF A MUNICIPALITY EXERCISING ITS RIGHT TO AMEND, MODIFY, OR REPEAL OR OTHERWISE ALTER ANY STATUTE IMPOS- ING OR RELATING TO TAXES, FEES, OR APPROPRIATIONS RELATING THERETO. S 1021-L. EXEMPTION OF THE AUTHORITY FROM TAXATION. 1. IT IS HEREBY FOUND AND DECLARED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE AUTHORITY IS PRIMARILY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF THE PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITIES, COUNTIES AND THE STATE, FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR HEALTH, WELFARE AND PROSPER- ITY, AND IS A PUBLIC PURPOSE, AND THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE REGARDED AS PERFORMING AN ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION IN CARRYING OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. 2. THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PAY NO TAXES NOR ASSESSMENTS UPON ANY OF THE PROPERTY ACQUIRED OR CONTROLLED BY IT OR UPON ITS ACTIV- ITIES IN THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE THEREOF OR UPON INCOME DERIVED THEREFROM, PROVIDED THAT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL PREVENT THE AUTHORITY FROM ENTERING INTO AGREEMENTS TO MAKE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES. 3. THE AUTHORITY SHALL MAKE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES TO MUNICI- PALITIES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS EQUAL TO THE TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM YEAR TO YEAR BY SUCH JURISDICTION. 4. THE AUTHORITY SHALL ALSO MAKE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES FOR THOSE TAXES WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE IMPOSED UPON A UTILITY CORPORATION PURSU- ANT TO: (A) SECTION ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX-A AND FORMER SECTION ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX OF THE TAX LAW AS SUCH SECTIONS WERE IN EFFECT ON DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST, NINETEEN HUNDRED NINETY-NINE; (B) ANY TAXES IMPOSED BY A CITY WITHIN THE AUTHORITY'S SERVICE AREA PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORIZATION GRANTED BY SECTION TWENTY-B OF THE GENERAL CITY LAW; AND (C) ANY TAXES IMPOSED BY A VILLAGE WITHIN THE AUTHORITY'S SERVICE AREA PURSUANT TO AUTHORIZATION GRANTED BY SECTION 5-530 OF THE VILLAGE LAW. 5. NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXEMPTION IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION, THE AUTHORITY SHALL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE ASSESSMENTS IMPOSED PURSUANT TO SECTION EIGHTEEN-A OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE LAW. 6. THE SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY, AND THE INCOME THEREFROM SHALL, AT ALL TIMES, BE FREE FROM TAXATION, EXCEPT FOR ESTATE AND GIFT TAXES. 7. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL RELIEVE THE AUTHORITY FROM ITS OBLI- GATIONS TO REGISTER FOR SALES TAX PURPOSES, COLLECT STATE OR LOCAL SALES AND COMPENSATING USE TAXES IMPOSED BY OR PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF ARTICLES TWENTY-EIGHT AND TWENTY-NINE OF THE TAX LAW, AND OTHERWISE COMPLY WITH THOSE ARTICLES ON ITS SALE OF PROPERTY OR SERVICES. S 1021-M. ACTIONS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY. 1. ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY MAY BE A PARTY IN WHICH ANY QUESTION ARISES AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THIS TITLE OR THE VALUATION OF STOCK OR ASSETS ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN SHALL BE PREFERRED OVER ALL OTHER CIVIL CAUSES IN ALL COURTS OF THE STATE, EXCEPT ELECTION MATTERS, AND SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN S. 2813--C 14 PREFERENCE TO ALL OTHER CIVIL BUSINESS PENDING THEREIN, EXCEPT ELECTION MATTERS, IRRESPECTIVE OF POSITION ON THE CALENDAR. THE SAME PREFERENCE SHALL BE GRANTED UPON APPLICATION OF COUNSEL TO THE AUTHORITY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING QUESTIONING THE VALIDITY OF THIS TITLE OR THE VALU- ATION OF STOCK OR ASSETS ACQUIRED BY THE AUTHORITY BY THE EXERCISE OF THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN IN WHICH SUCH COUNSEL MAY BE ALLOWED TO INTERVENE. THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE LAID IN THE SUPREME COURT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FIVE OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES. 2. IN THE EVENT ANY PARTY SHALL APPEAL AN AWARD OF COMPENSATION FOR THE TAKING BY THE AUTHORITY OF STOCK OR ASSETS, SUCH PARTY SHALL POST A BOND IN SUCH AMOUNT, IF ANY, AS THE SUPREME COURT SHALL DEEM APPROPRIATE TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE OTHER PARTY UNDER ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES. 3. AN ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOUNDED ON TORT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION FIFTY-E OF THE GENER- AL MUNICIPAL LAW, EXCEPT THAT AN ACTION AGAINST THE AUTHORITY FOR WRONG- FUL DEATH SHALL BE COMMENCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF TITLE ELEVEN OF ARTICLE NINE OF THIS CHAPTER. S 1021-N. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. ALL CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE OF WHATEVER NATURE AND ALL DOCU- MENTS SOLICITING BIDS OR PROPOSALS THEREFOR SHALL CONTAIN OR MAKE REFER- ENCE TO THE FOLLOWING PROVISION: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST EMPLOYEES OR APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF RACE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY OR MARITAL STATUS, AND WILL UNDERTAKE OR CONTINUE EXISTING PROGRAMS OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE THAT MINORITY GROUP PERSONS AND WOMEN ARE AFFORDED EQUAL OPPORTUNITY WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION. SUCH PROGRAMS SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYMENT, JOB ASSIGNMENT, PROMOTION, UPGRADING, DEMOTION, TRANSFER, LAYOFF, TERMI- NATION, RATES OF PAY OR OTHER FORMS OF COMPENSATION, AND SELECTION FOR TRAINING AND RETRAINING, INCLUDING APPRENTICESHIP AND ON-THE-JOB TRAIN- ING. S 1021-O. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION. 1. THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY, WHILE ACTING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THEIR AUTHORITY AS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES, SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY PERSONAL OR CIVIL LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE EXERCISE, CARRYING OUT OR ADVOCACY OF ANY OF THE AUTHORITY'S PURPOSES OR POWER UNLESS THE CONDUCT OF THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES IS FINALLY DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO CONSTITUTE INTEN- TIONAL WRONGDOING OR RECKLESSNESS. 2. THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION EIGHTEEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW SHALL APPLY TO DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE AUTHORITY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, SUITS, ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS WHICH MAY BE MADE OR BROUGHT AGAINST ANY OF THEM ARISING OUT OF ANY DETERMINATIONS MADE OR ACTIONS TAKEN OR OMITTED TO BE TAKEN IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY ACTIONS TAKEN PURSUANT TO THE POWERS OF THIS TITLE. 3. AS USED IN THIS SECTION, THE TERMS "DIRECTOR", "OFFICER" AND "EMPLOYEE" SHALL INCLUDE A FORMER DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE AND HIS OR HER ESTATE OR JUDICIALLY APPOINTED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE. 4. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL LIMIT THE OBLIGATIONS OF A "DIREC- TOR," "OFFICER," OR "EMPLOYEE" OF THE AUTHORITY OR OF A SUBSIDIARY OF THE AUTHORITY AS A "PERSON REQUIRED TO COLLECT TAX," AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN ARTICLE TWENTY-EIGHT OF THE TAX LAW, IF SUCH DIRECTOR, OFFI- CER OR EMPLOYEE IS, OR WAS, UNDER A DUTY TO ACT FOR THE AUTHORITY OR SUBSIDIARY, OR BOTH, AS THE CASE MAY BE, IN COMPLYING WITH ANY REQUIRE- S. 2813--C 15 MENT OF ARTICLE TWENTY-EIGHT OR RELATED PROVISION OF ARTICLE TWENTY-NINE OF THE TAX LAW. S 1021-P. WEBSITE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL MAKE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC, VIA ITS OFFICIAL OR SHARED INTERNET WEBSITE, DOCUMENTATION PERTAINING TO ITS MISSION, CURRENT ACTIVITIES, MOST RECENT ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS, CURRENT YEAR BUDGET AND ITS MOST RECENT INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT UNLESS SUCH INFORMATION IS COVERED BY SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION EIGHTY-SEVEN OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW. S 1021-Q. PREVAILING WAGE. WHENEVER THE AUTHORITY ENTERS INTO ANY CONTRACT, SUBCONTRACT, LEASE, GRANT, BOND, COVENANT OR OTHER AGREEMENT FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCAVATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVE- MENT PROJECT, SUCH PROJECT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW, AND ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO ALL THE WORK INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCA- VATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVEMENT OF SUCH PROJECT. FUNDS, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, OR ANY OTHER BENEFITS PROVIDED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE UTILIZED FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, RECONSTRUCTION, EXCA- VATION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, ALTERATION, OR IMPROVEMENT OF ANY PROJECT TO WHICH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE EIGHT OF THE LABOR LAW ARE NOT APPLICABLE. S 1021-R. PERIODIC REVIEW BY LEGISLATURE. BEGINNING IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN, AND NOT MORE THAN EVERY TEN YEARS THEREAFTER, THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, OF THE STRUCTURE, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE NCPA, AND THE NCPA SHALL PROVIDE SUCH RECORDS, REPORTS AND TESTIMONY AS THE LEGISLA- TURE MAY REQUEST TO ASSIST IN THE CONDUCT OF THIS REVIEW. S 1021-S. SEVERABILITY. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE ARE SEVERABLE, AND IF ANY CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, ACTION OR PART OF THIS TITLE, OR THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO ANY PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE, SHALL BE ADJUDGED BY ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE, SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT, IMPAIR OR INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER OF THIS TITLE OR THE APPLICATION OF SUCH PROVISION TO ANY OTHER PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT SHALL BE CONFINED IN ITS OPERATION TO THE CLAUSE, SENTENCE, PARAGRAPH, SECTION OR PART THEREOF OR PERSON OR CIRCUMSTANCE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE CONTROVERSY IN WHICH SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL HAVE BEEN RENDERED. S 2. Subdivision 1 of section 51 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new paragraph n to read as follows: N. NORTH COUNTRY POWER AUTHORITY S 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
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