Wallkill Valley Times Jun. 28 2017 | Page 3

3 Wallkill Valley Times, Wednesday, June 28, 2017 State legislature OKs ward system for school boards Before heading into summer recess, the New York State Legislature gave the Pine Bush School District a parting gift. A bill, approved by both houses, will enable school districts to create wards for the election of school board members. The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, D-Forestburgh, and Sen. Bill Larkin, R-Cornwall-on-Hudson. It eased through the Assembly in a 140-2 vote last Monday and then cleared the Senate in a 62-1 vote the next day. The bill still requires the signature of Gov. Andrew Cuomo to become law. “I think it’s a win, a huge win,” said Roseanne Sullivan, an Orange County Legislator and member of the Pine Bush School Board. Pine Bush School board members have been pushing for a ward system for several years. Their fear was that a proposed community in Bloomingburg would lead to a large voting bloc that could easily dominate the school board. A ward system would ensure representation from the various communities within the school district, including Pine Bush and Circleville. Sullivan said she is looking over the legislation with a fine-tooth comb. While the board has not discussed a timeline to enact the change, the bill will allow a referendum to be put up to the voters at the May 2018 school budget vote and school board election. “It’s such a large geographical area and each area really has its own personality,” she said. “This would allow each to have its own representation on the board.” The bill, as passed, does not allow for staggered school board elections, but rather requires elections for all boards seats in the same year. Sullivan is ho ping for a change retroactively. Feds OK $14.5 million for OC Airport U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have announced $14,520,795 for the Orange County Airport. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, Orange County Airport will use the funding to realign the runway to create a runway safety zone and install runway navigational devices. “Keeping our airports and infrastructure in top-notch shape is crucial to attracting business and tourism to the Hudson Valley,” said Schumer. “ This federal investment will enable Orange County Airport to make the critical infrastructure improvements to allow for safer, more reliable access to the Hudson Valley and support for local businesses.” “Investing in our airport infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who utilize it every day,” said Gillibrand. “These funds through the Department of Transportation are a major investment that will allow the Orange County Airport to renovate and upgrade their facilities. I will continue to push for resources that enhance efficiency and public safety at airports across New York.” This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and is administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Airport Improvement Program provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Funds obligated for the AIP are drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources. “The Orange County Airport is an economic driver and this investment ensures pilots can land safely using upgraded technology and brand-new runways, while creating good, local jobs,” said Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “It’s been great to help this project take shape from the design phase right on through to this last round of construction.” “This grant will vastly enhance the infrastructure at Orange County Airport and will provide pilots and aircraft a state- of-the-art, FAA-approved, safe runway environment,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “The grants being awarded to Orange County Airport confirms the County’s priority of maintaining a highly functional airport with safety as a top priority.” There are currently 150 aircraft based at Orange County Airport, as well as three aircraft maintenance service businesses, a flight school, and restaurant. The airport is located at 500 Dunn Road in Montgomery. 9 Month CD At 0.90% APY Annual Interest Rate 0.88% LIMITED TIME ONLY • Deposit must be made with funds not on deposit with Hometown Bank of the Hudson Valley. • APY=Annual Percentage Yield Rates effective 5/23/17. Rates subject to change without notice. For more information call • Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. • Minimum deposit of $10,000. New funds only. 800-458-8190 ARE YOU TIRED OF LOCKING UP YOUR MONEY? 0.75 % Money Market Account APY START EARNING HIGHER INTEREST ON YOUR MONEY NOW. 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