Preservation League Responds to NYS Budget Release for FY 2020-21

In the early morning on April 3rd, the NYS Legislature passed the final budget bills for Fiscal Year 2020-21. New York State faced unprecedented challenges in finalizing the budget in the midst of responding to COVID-19 and the associated economic impacts. The Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation (TED) Bill had several provisions relevant to historic preservation, including prevailing wage, the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act, and the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. The Capital Projects Bill included $300 Million for the Environmental Protection Fund, which supports historic preservation projects funded through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

The Preservation League successfully advocated for prevailing wage protection for historic preservation projects. Those who use the NYS Historic Tax Credit and nonprofits with gross revenue under $5 million will not be subject to prevailing wage requirements.

The Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act has the important and laudable goal of creating sustainable, environmentally responsible energy production as a key component to fighting climate change. We appreciate Governor Cuomo’s leadership on that front and support thoughtful siting of renewable energy production. The that end, we noted that this act seeks to “avoid, minimize or mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts from the siting, design, construction and operation of a major renewable energy facility.” As the state considers environmental impacts, we are sure they will include historic and cultural resources, and the Preservation League will remain vigilant in speaking up for the places that are important to New Yorkers.

Unfortunately, the FY 2020-21 NYS Budget Appropriation Bills did not include any improvements to the NYS Historic Tax Credit Program. We believe that an increased credit for small projects will stimulate local community development and economic revitalization efforts throughout New York State, helping small business and building owners, as well as providing much-needed jobs. The Preservation League will continue to advocate for this much-needed NYS Historic Tax Credit improvement and stimulus.

(Preservation League staff and advocates on our 2020 Preservation Advocacy Day, with Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, who introduced Historic Tax Credit legislation this session)