Reports

The Power Authority of the State of New York is the largest public power utility in the United States, and its operating expenditures ranked third among New York State authorities in 2012.

The Executive’s proposal could move toward increased private control over the provision of power on Long Island.

Growth in the number, cost and influence of public authorities has necessitated increased disclosure and oversight of their activities, which historically have been less transparent than those of State agencies.

Public authorities make up an increasingly large and influential sphere of government in New York State.

Growth in the number, cost and influence of public authorities has necessitated increased disclosure and oversight of their activities, which historically have been less transparent than those of State agencies.

In late May 2012, the New York State Thruway Authority announced that it was beginning the process of imposing a 45 percent average toll increase for larger commercial vehicles. This increase, intended to take effect on September 30, 2012, comes after the Thruway Authority has increased tolls for all classes of vehicles in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

While LIPA appears to have adhered to established storm protocols in response to Hurricane Earl, opportunities exist to improve these policies and procedures.

The growth in the number, cost and influence of public authorities has necessitated increased oversight and disclosure of their activities.

Unlike the State and local governments, New York State’s public authorities are permitted to structure bond issues with the payment of principal heavily weighted to the end of the repayment schedule.

According to Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) records, there are currently 4,172 local government entities in New York. These include over 1,600 county, city, town and village governments, as well as 697 school districts and 872 fire districts. The nearly 1,000 other local government entities include libraries, community colleges, industrial development agencies and consolidated health districts, among others.