N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 4.176

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 25, June 18, 2024

Section 4.176 - Executive order no. 176: establishing a task force on military base conversion

WHEREAS, Federal military installations in New York State are important to the economic health of the State and of local communities; and

WHEREAS, these military bases provide employment opportunities for local residents and increase commerce for local businesses; and

WHEREAS, the closure or realignment of a military installation can create severe hardships for local citizens and businesses; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Defense has already eliminated over 1,000 jobs at the Seneca Army Depot; and

WHEREAS, on June 24, 1993, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended the closure of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base and Naval Station New York, and recommended major reductions at the Griffiss Air Force Base, despite the essential roles which those bases provide in the defense of the country; and

WHEREAS, on July 2, 1993, the President of the United States accepted the recommendations of the Commission, and the Congress of the United States did not vote to disapprove those recommendations, as authorized in the Base Closure and Realignment Act; and

WHEREAS, it is essential that New York State provide all necessary assistance to the areas where major military installations are facing closure or reductions, in order to diminish any potential adverse effects of these actions; and

WHEREAS, assistance from the State can best be provided through a central coordinating committee which includes representatives of the State and of the affected localities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARIO M. CUOMO, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows:

I. Creation of Task Force

There is hereby established a Task Force on Military Base Conversion.

II. Membership

The Task Force shall consist of the Lieutenant Governor, the Director of Policy Management, The Adjutant General, the Director of the Office of Federal Affairs, the Director of the Budget, the Director of Economic Development, the Secretary of State, the Commissioner of Labor, the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, the Commissioner of Transportation, the Commissioner of Social Services, the Director of Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Office of Rural Affairs. The Task Force shall also include such representatives of municipalities, businesses and community groups affected by military base closures or reductions as the Governor shall choose to appoint, which individuals shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor shall serve as chairperson of the Task Force.

III. Powers and Duties

The Task Force shall have the power and duty:

1. to evaluate the economic impact of scheduled and potential closures and reductions of military installations in New York State;

2. to act as a liaison with local governments, businesses and individuals who might be affected by such closures and reductions;

3. to create advisory committees to provide advice and input relating to particular issues or particular military installations;

4. to consider environmental issues related to the closures and reductions, including necessary clean-up activities and costs;

5. to investigate possible military and non-military uses of the bases by the Federal government, the State, local governments, private businesses or others;

6. to assist and coordinate with local communities in evaluating such possible uses, including consideration of the potential for re-employment of workers, the need for construction or reconstruction of facilities, the need for retraining of employees, the existence of corollary economic development benefits, and the preferences of local residents; and

7. to conduct public hearings or other forums to obtain the input of local citizens and businesses regarding potential re-uses of the facilities.

IV. Staffing

The Task Force shall be authorized to use existing staff and resources of the State, and every department, division, agency, board, bureau and office of the State shall cooperate fully with the Task Force and shall provide such assistance as the Task Force shall deem necessary or desirable for the accomplishment of its duties and purposes.

V. Reporting

The Task Force shall prepare and submit periodic reports to the Governor, setting forth its findings and recommendations. These reports shall include short-term and long-term strategies and objectives to minimize any adverse economic impact to local communities and the State, and to provide the most beneficial use of the military installations scheduled for closure or reductions. In addition, the Task Force shall submit a report no later than December 1, 1993, setting forth any proposals for legislation deemed necessary to assist in the conversion process. The Task Force shall also submit subsequent reports setting forth the status of the conversion efforts and making such further recommendations as are deemed necessary.

Signed: Mario M. CuomoDated: September 24, 1993

[FN*] [Revoked by Executive Order No. 5 (Eliot Spitzer), infra.]

[Revoked by Executive Order No. 9 (David A. Paterson), infra.]

[Revoked by Executive Order No. 2 (Andrew M. Cuomo), infra.]

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 4.176