S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
4792
2011-2012 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
February 8, 2011
___________
Introduced by M. of A. BARCLAY, KOLB -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A.
CROUCH, SALADINO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Tour-
ism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development
AN ACT creating a temporary state commission on tourism in central New
York to study and prepare a sound business plan to develop a state-of-
the-art transportation system to link community assets; making an
appropriation therefor; and providing for the repeal of such
provisions upon expiration thereof
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A temporary state commission on tourism in central New York
is hereby created to examine, evaluate, and make recommendations
concerning the development of a state-of-the-art transportation system
to link community assets. Such commission shall include in its study the
feasibility of the development of a light rail system to connect Syra-
cuse Hancock International Airport, the William F. Walsh Transportation
Center, Syracuse University, DestiNY USA, ONCenter, and downtown Syra-
cuse, in order to bring greater economic success to these areas and
their surrounding communities.
S 2. 1. The commission shall consist of the following fifteen members:
(a) the commissioner or his or her designated representative from the
departments of transportation, economic development, environmental
conservation, agriculture and markets and of the office of parks, recre-
ation and historic preservation;
(b) the chairperson or his or her designated representative of the New
York state thruway authority, the tourism advisory council, the upstate
New York tourism council and the downstate New York tourism council;
(c) a representative of travel and vacation related business and a
representative of an organization of automobile users and owners
appointed by the governor;
(d) a representative of Syracuse University;
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08704-01-1
A. 4792 2
(e) a representative of the Greater Syracuse chamber of commerce;
(f) a representative of the Onondaga county executive branch; and
(g) a representative of the office of the mayor of the city of Syra-
cuse.
2. The chairman of the commission shall be the commissioner of trans-
portation. The members of the task force may elect a vice chairman,
secretary or such other officers as it may deem necessary for such terms
as its members shall determine.
3. Members of the commission, except for those representing New York
state departments, agencies, authorities or councils, shall serve for a
term of two years and may be reappointed in the same manner as provided
for their initial appointment.
4. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power
or function of the commission. An act, determination, or decision of the
members present and entitled to vote during the presence of a quorum
shall be held to be the act, determination or decision of the commis-
sion.
5. The commission shall meet at least quarterly at the call of the
chairman. Additional meetings may be called by the chairperson subject
to the giving of one week's notice, and shall be called by him or her at
the request of a majority of the members of the commission.
S 3. The commission may employ and at pleasure remove such personnel
as it may deem necessary for the performance of its functions.
S 4. The commission may meet within and without the state, shall hold
public hearings, and shall have all the powers of a legislative commit-
tee pursuant to the legislative law.
S 5. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for
their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses
incurred in the performance of their duties hereunder.
S 6. The commission shall make a preliminary report to the governor
and the legislature of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations
not later than one year after the effective date of this act, and a
final report of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations not later
than two years after the effective date of this act, and shall submit
with its reports such legislative proposals as it deems necessary to
implement its recommendations.
S 7. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), or so much
thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated to pay the expenses
incurred, including personal service, in carrying out the provisions of
this act. Such moneys shall be payable out of the state treasury in the
general fund to the credit of the state purposes account after audit by
and on the warrant of the comptroller upon the vouchers certified or
approved by the chairperson or vice-chairperson of the commission as
prescribed by law.
S 8. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire September
30, 2013, when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be deemed
repealed.