MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

OCTOBER 15, 1996

PRESENT: Chair Carsky, Legs: LaMotte,

Latimer and Delfino

ALSO PRESENT: Comm. Oliva, Mr. Yoegel, Mrs.

Keating and Mr. Rollins

ITEMS DISCUSSED:

Chair Carsky called the meeting to order at 3:10 P.M. Commissioner Oliva explained the Watershed Agreement. She stated that the County Executive’s letter highlights the important points covered in the agreement.

Comm. Oliva went on to say that the State has allocated $17 million for parcels in the Croton Watershed area but most purchases will be on the west side of the Hudson which has been allocated $230 million.

Comm. Oliva also stated that when purchasing parcels in the Croton Watershed area, it must be a willing buyer and willing seller. The state will not enforce eminent domain and all parcels will be purchased at Fair Market Value.

Chair Carsky asked questions regarding the Advisory Board and Comm. Oliva stated that eventually there will be an IMA and the IMA will determine the Advisory Board and the Communities would will he members.

Comm. Oliva did state that this is a time sensitive issue and that we must have this signed before November 14 or we will not be eligible for any money. There are several checks and balances regarding the money. There is also $1 million for the Croton Watershed Planning Committee. All municipalities involved must agree or this project cannot go forward and we will not be eligible for the money.

Comm. Oliva also stated that there is a $450,000 grant for a Sewage Diversion Study.

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Chair Carsky stated that she would like to sign this out today and asked the Committee for their comments. Leg. LaMotte agreed. Leg. Delfino brought up the letter from the Alliance for Watershed and Water Quality Protection.

Comm. Oliva stated that this group never showed up at any of the meetings that were held in Westchester.

Leg. Latimer stated that he does feel pressure at the 11th hour, but agrees that we should see these individuals before any action.

Mr. Rollins stated that there will be four additional hearings on the following dates. He did not have the time or place as of yet.

Queens - October 23

Bronx - October 30

Brooklyn October 28

Staten Island - October 29

Putnam County has already done a resolution in support of this.

On motion of Leg. Latimer, seconded by Leg. Delfino, the committee agreed to have the Alliance in next week before signing out the legislation.

On motion of Mr. Latimer, seconded by Leg. Delfino, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 P.M.

(TAPE ON FILE)