Governor Signs 'Black River' Taxpayer Relief Bill

Patty Ritchie

April 13, 2011

Taxes

Legislation Will Reduce Costs To Taxpayers in Black River, Champion, LeRay, Pamelia and Rutland

State Senator Patty Ritchie (R,C-Heuvelton) announced today that legislation she sponsored that saves hardworking taxpayers in the Route 3 corridor around Black River hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra interest costs for a critical sewer project was signed into law by Governor Cuomo today.

The measure, S.2781, was Senator Ritchie's first bill to pass the Senate--and her first to become law. The measure reduces costs to the village of Black River and the towns of Champion, LeRay, Pamelia and Rutland and paves the way for the expansion of the Rt. 3 corridor sewer project, which is critical to the region's growth.

“When local citizens came to me and told me they were paying over $100 a day in unnecessary extra costs, I promised to make it my first priority,” Senator Ritchie said. “I’m pleased that, by working together across party lines, we were able to solve this problem.”

Over 100 local residents had signed a petition sponsored by Senator Ritchie and Black River Mayor Lee Carpenter that urged the governor to sign the bill..

“I want to thank Gov. Cuomo for acting so quickly on this bill, as well as Assembly Members Ken Blankenbush, who represents those communities, and Addie Russell for carrying the bill in the Assembly,” Senator Ritchie said. “I think it shows that when we work together on behalf of the people who elected us we can help make government work for the people who pay the bills.’

The bill fixes a problem caused when the Village exceeded its maximum bond authorization. It allows the Village to repay loans from the USDA and state Environmental Facilities Corporation on terms that are more favorable to local taxpayers.