Bill
S 909
S 909 - Establishes the municipal severe storm relief fund for Rockaway, QueensOverview- Bill Number: S 909- Title: Establishes the municipal severe storm relief fund for Rockaway,
Overview
- Bill Number: S 909
- Title: Establishes the municipal severe storm relief fund for Rockaway, Queens to be administered by the division of homeland security
- Status: REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
- Introduced: March 10, 2025
Purpose and Intent
This bill aims to create a dedicated municipal severe storm relief fund for the Rockaway peninsula in Queens, New York. The fund would provide financial assistance to the local government and community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of severe storms and weather events. The intent is to help the Rockaway area, which is particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding and damage, become more resilient in the face of increasing extreme weather driven by climate change.
Key Provisions
- Establishes the "Municipal Severe Storm Relief Fund for Rockaway, Queens" to be administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
- Appropriates $50 million in initial funding for the relief fund from the state's general fund
- Allows the fund to receive additional appropriations, gifts, grants, or other contributions from public or private sources
- Specifies that monies in the fund can be used for:
- Purchasing emergency equipment and supplies
- Upgrading critical infrastructure like seawalls, drainage systems, and power grids
- Providing direct financial assistance to residents and businesses for storm preparation and recovery
- Funding local emergency planning, training, and response capabilities
Affected Parties and Impacts
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be the local government and residents of the Rockaway peninsula in Queens, New York. The fund would help the community become better prepared for and more resilient to the impacts of severe storms, coastal flooding, and other extreme weather events. This could include protecting homes and businesses, maintaining critical services, and speeding recovery efforts. The fund may also have broader benefits for the surrounding region by reducing the strain on state and federal disaster relief resources.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
S 909 has been referred to the New York State Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs for consideration. If reported out of committee, the bill would then proceed to a full vote in the State Senate. Companion legislation would also need to be introduced and passed in the State Assembly. If enacted into law, the Division of Homeland Security would be tasked with establishing the relief fund and managing the distribution of monies to the Rockaway community.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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