Governor Cuomo announced that implementation of green policies at state agencies have saved New York taxpayers $13 million while substantially reducing paper use and waste, and increasing recycling. Key achievements by state agencies include a 40% reduction in copy paper purchased by state agencies since 2011 has saved taxpayers $13 million dollars, a 53% reduction in waste generated since 2008; & the widespread adoption of non-chemical means of controlling pests on turf and ornamental plantings. The report is available at ogs.ny.gov.
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The Sidney School Budget & Capital project informational meeting will be held on Tuesday May 5th at 6:00 PM in the High School Library. This meeting is open to the public; voters will decide the budget & the proposed capital project on Tuesday, May 19th. Additional information is available at sidneycsd.org.
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The New York State Assembly has launched its new paperless legislation system, which converts hard copy legislation to digital form on tablets. The measure allows for digital copies of legislation, instead of hard copy, to suffice on a state legislator’s desk, thereby cutting down on the paper waste at the Capitol. The members still can request hard copies, about 10,167 bills were introduced in the 2013-14 legislative year
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Governor Cuomo announced the completion of another round of crude oil tank car and rail inspections, where they uncovered 84 defects, including 3 critical safety defects & 2 hazardous materials violations that required immediate corrective action. The inspections were the latest part of the Governor’s push to protect New Yorkers from the potential dangers associated with the transport of crude oil by freight rail companies. State and federal teams examined 855 crude oil tank cars and approximately 30 miles of track in these inspections. The Increased inspections followed a series of out-of-state disasters involving the transport of crude oil from the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota.
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United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties has been awarded Federal Funds through FEMA Under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program “Set Aside” Funds. Otsego County has been chosen to receive $24,410 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county and related administrative fees with Opportunities for Otsego, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, The Lord’s Table, St. Mary’s food pantry and First Presbyterian Church of Worcester, participating, they provided 104,435 meals, 164 nights of lodging and assist 23 households with emergency utilities.