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Legislature Passes Lindsay’s Bill to Create Regional Planning Alliance

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  07. December 2015

Riverhead, NY - December 4, 2015 - A bill sponsored by Suffolk Legislator Bill Lindsay that would encourage municipal governments to collaborate on projects of regional significance was passed by the Suffolk County Legislature at its Dec. 1 meeting in Riverhead.

Under the legislation, which is expected to be signed by the county executive, any project that will have a substantial effect on more than one unit of local government will trigger the formation of a regional planning alliance, consisting of representatives from each of the affected governments. In order to maintain eligibility for certain county funds, the representatives must meet four times per year to discuss project objectives.

“As Suffolk County begins to implement its comprehensive master plan, intergovernmental cooperation is critical to advancing projects of regional significance,” said Legislator Lindsay. “By bringing everyone to the table, we’re expediting the planning process and encouraging the confidence of potential investors. This bill is a win both for municipal governments and for the county as a whole.”

Last month, the Newsday Editorial Board called for Legislator Lindsay’s bill to be passed and “then emulated,” noting that “[t]oo many worthy projects have been grounded on the shores of noncooperation.”

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