State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) is co-sponsoring a bill that would establish the Flood Assessment Relief Act of 2011 for those areas that were declared a State disaster emergency area by Governor Cuomo during the time period of August 26th to September 11th. If this legislation becomes law, it would give local taxing authorities the option to assign a new taxable value to properties damaged 50 percent or more by Irene or Lee for the 2011 - 2012 tax cycle.

"It is truly shocking the level of damage parts of Montogmery, Schenectady and Saratoga counties have sustained in such a short time," Senator Farley said. "Many families and businesses are now struggling from the effects of these disasters. I hope this legislation will provide some needed relief to help those who are trying to recover from the aftermath of the storms."