ALBANY – Legislation that would allow Sullivan County municipalities to establish their own farmland preservation plans passed both houses of the State Legislature this week.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Paula Elaine Kay (D, Rock Hill) and Sen. Peter Oberacker (R, Schenevus) would add Sullivan County to the list of designated communities authorized to create local community preservation funds to protect farmland.
Supporters said the measure would give local governments more control over preserving agricultural land and maintaining the county’s farming economy.
“This bill will give our municipalities the freedom to create their own farmland preservation plans through the establishment of a community preservation fund,” Kay said in a statement.
Oberacker said the legislation would provide local communities with the tools and authority needed to preserve farmland for future generations.
The measure was also backed by the Orange County Land Trust and the Sullivan County Legislature.
Michael Sweeton, community liaison for the Orange County Land Trust, said the legislation would help preserve farmland and protect local food sources in the Hudson Valley.
Sullivan County Legislature Chairwoman Nadia Rajsz praised the bill’s passage, saying it would help protect valuable farmland and benefit county residents for generations.
The legislation now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul for consideration.
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