This annual report summarizes the results of all the State agency and public authority audit reports issued by the Office of the State Comptroller from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.

This report summarizes data for fiscal year 2019, the most recent data reported by IDAs through the Public Authorities Reporting Information System (PARIS). The report also contains a brief discussion of local development corporations (LDCs), a related type of local authority. | Interactive Map

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.

The State has approximately 639 local authorities operating outside of New York City. These authorities generally operate without many of the constraints and controls over day-to-day operations required of municipal governments. OSC audits have helped to shine a light on questionable practices from board member compensation to the selection and results of economic development projects.

This report, one in a series of reports by Comptroller DiNapoli on public authorities in New York State, summarizes the revenues, expenditures, employment and certain other key data of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA).

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.

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

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

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.

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.