Again, Seward Wins Impact Aid
For Oneonta’s Cost To Host SUNY
ONEONTA – For a second year, state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Oneonta, has obtained “impact aid” – $194,500 this budget year – to offset public safety costs to the City of Oneonta from being a host community to a SUNY college.
“Our SUNY schools are a real asset – educating our future leaders, and helping drive the local economy,” said Seward in an announcement this afternoon. “However, there is a financial trade-off that goes overlooked and local taxpayers should not be left holding the bag. The SUNY Impact Aid funding is genuine mandate relief.”
While developing legislation to deliver aid to all SUNY host communities, Seward won approval last year for a “pilot program” in 2016-17, whereby Oneonta and Cortland – both in his 51st District – each received $200,000.
Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig was glad to hear the news. “This special state funding is real relief for the City of Oneonta,” he said. “Senator Seward understands our needs and his continued advocacy is greatly appreciated. Moving forward, our shared goal is to ensure permanent, sustained relief for property taxpayers.”