2020 New York Laws
ENV - Environmental Conservation
Article 54 - Environmental Protection Act
Title 15 - Climate Smart Community Projects
54-1515 - Contracts for State Assistance Payments for Climate Smart Community Projects.
§ 54-1515. Contracts for state assistance payments for climate smart
community projects.
1. After approval of the application, the commissioner may, in the
name of the state, enter into contracts with municipalities, to provide
state assistance payments toward the cost of climate smart community
projects, which shall include the following provisions:
a. an estimate of the costs of the project as determined by the
commissioner;
b. an agreement by the commissioner to make state assistance payments
toward the cost of the project by periodically reimbursing the
municipality during the progress of project development or following
completion of the project as may be agreed upon by the parties, in an
amount not to exceed the amounts established elsewhere in this title;
and
c. an agreement by the municipality: (i) to proceed expeditiously with and complete the project as approved
by the commissioner;
(ii) to undertake and maintain the climate smart community project in
accordance with applicable law and rules and regulations;
(iii) to provide for the payment of the municipality's share of the
cost of the project;
(iv) to assume the full cost of any additional elements or continued
operation of the project;
(v) to repay within one year of notification by the commissioner, any
state assistance payments made toward the cost of the project or an
equitable portion of such monies declared appropriate by the
commissioner, if the municipality fails to complete the project as
approved. No repayment, however, shall be required where the commission
determines that such failure, disposition or change of use was
immediately necessary to protect public health and safety; and
(vi) to apply for and make reasonable efforts to secure federal
assistance for the project.
2. In connection with each contract, the commissioner shall keep
adequate records of the amount of the payment by the state, if any,
received by the municipality. Such records shall be retained by the
commissioner and shall establish the basis for recalculation of the
state payment as required herein.
3. The commissioner shall impose such contractual requirements and
conditions upon any municipality which receives state assistance
payments pursuant to this title as may be necessary and appropriate to
ensure that a public benefit shall accrue from the use of public funds
by such municipality. Such conditions shall include limitations on the
right of the municipality to demolish or convey such property,
provisions for public access or use where appropriate, a requirement
that all plans for restoration, rehabilitation, improvement, demolition
or other physical change must be subject to the commissioner's approval,
and such other conditions which shall assure the preservation and
protection of the project.
