New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced an agreement between the New York Environmental Protection and Spill Compensation Fund (Oil Spill Fund) and St. Lawrence County that will lead to the clean-up and redevelopment of contaminated commercial property in the villages of DeKalb and Massena.
The seven properties that are part of the latest agreement are tax-delinquent parcels that are being obtained by the county through foreclosure proceedings. Before they can be sold at public auction and put back on the tax rolls, an environmental remediation must occur.
"By working hand-in-hand with local government officials, my office can help turn contaminated property and abandoned parcels into community assets," said DiNapoli. "Thanks to our ongoing partnership with St. Lawrence County, we are able to lend support to the economic development efforts in places like Massena and DeKalb. The environmental and financial benefits of these agreements continue to pay long-term dividends for residents of the North Country."
The Oil Spill Fund, which is administered by DiNapoli's office in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), pays for the cleanup of petroleum contamination when the parties responsible either cannot be identified or refuse to clean up or pay. The OAG subsequently assists in recovering costs expended from the Oil Spill Fund from such parties.
Today's agreement is part of a wider statewide effort by the Comptroller and the Oil Spill Fund to partner with DEC, OAG, and local communities to accelerate cleanup activities and return properties to beneficial use.
"This collaboration between St. Lawrence County and the New York State Environmental and Spill Compensation Fund is reaping great benefits for our communities," said St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chairman Kevin Acres. "Foremost, previously contaminated properties are being cleaned up and made suitable for continued use and secondly, these properties that have been tax delinquent for many years are being returned to the tax rolls. These blighted eyesores in our communities will be returned to beautiful and productive entities that we all can be proud of."
"This is an important step to returning these properties to the tax rolls," said Village of Massena Mayor Timmy Currier. "By taking the lead, St. Lawrence County, working cooperatively with Comptroller DiNapoli's office and the Village, is helping us address difficult issues in our downtown core."
About the Oil Spill Fund
The Oil Spill Fund is responsible for protecting the environment and public health by ensuring the expeditious cleanup of petroleum spills. The fund is also used to compensate spill victims for their financial losses when the spiller will not and to seek reimbursement from spillers for oil spill cleanup costs. The fund was established in 1978.
Learn about the Oil Spill Fund: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/about/oil-spill-fund