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NYS Seal Contact: Charles Carrier
(518) 455-3888
For Immediate Release:
November 21, 2001
 
SILVER ANNOUNCES HEARINGS ON KEY ISSUES RELATED TO WORLD TRADE CENTER TERROR ATTACKS

Assembly Panels to Examine the Status of Federal Assistance, Environmental Concerns, Insurance Issues, Economic Impact and Effects on Tourism


Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced a series of Assembly public hearings focusing on key issues facing New York State in the wake of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

The hearings will examine the recovery and rebuilding efforts of lower Manhattan, particularly air quality and other environmental concerns, the status of efforts to access federal assistance, insurance issues, and effects on the New York City economy and tourism industry.

"While everyone acknowledges that the world dramatically changed on September 11, we are still assessing the damage from the attacks," said Silver. "There are many practical issues that must be examined so that we can plot an effective road to a successful and lasting recovery. These issues range from immediate impacts on public health and the public infrastructure - especially transportation and communications networks - to longer term economic effects."

"It is vital that we consider these issues now, both because of the central role that New York City plays in the state and national economies, and because of the significant challenges we face in developing the state budget for the 2002-2003 fiscal year," noted Silver. He added that the Assembly will also hold additional hearings in December around the state on the upstate economy, higher education, energy policy and other issues related to the 2002-2003 budget.

Silver, a lifelong resident of the Lower East Side whose legislative district includes the World Trade Center site and the downtown financial district, will co-chair the hearings.

All hearings will be held in the Assembly Hearing Room, 250 Broadway at Park Place, 19th floor - Room 1923, Manhattan.

  • Air quality and other environmental and public health issues in lower Manhattan
    DATE/TIME: Monday, November 26 - 10:30 a.m.
    TOPIC: To examine air quality and other environmental and public health issues in lower Manhattan resulting from the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, and the effects on residents, local businesses, workers, students and tourists.

    CONVENING COMMITTEES:

    • Environmental Conservation; Richard Brodsky (D-Greenburgh), chair
    • Health; Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan), chair
    • Labor; Catherine Nolan (D-Queens), chair

  • Status of federal and state efforts for downtown rebuilding and resurgence
    DATE/TIME: Postponed - To Be Announced
    TOPIC: To examine the status of federal and state efforts to support redevelopment of downtown Manhattan and spur economic resurgence throughout New York City, including funds and programs currently available and future program plans.

    CONVENING COMMITTEES:

    • Ways and Means; Herman D. Farrell, Jr. (D-Manhattan), chair
    • Governmental Operations; RoAnn Destito (D-Utica), chair
    • Corporations, Authorities & Commissions; Albert Vann (D-Brooklyn), chair

  • Overall impact on New York City economy
    DATE/TIME: Thursday, December 6 - 10:30 a.m.
    TOPIC: Business owners, economic development professionals and others testify on the huge financial impact of the WTC attack, and identify strategies for economic resurgence.

    CONVENING COMMITTEES:

    • Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce & Industry; Robin Schimminger (D-Kenmore), chair
    • Small Business; Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), chair
    • Labor; Catherine Nolan (D-Queens), chair

  • Tourism in New York City
    DATE/TIME: Friday, December 7 -- 12 noon
    TOPIC: Effects of the World Trade Center attack on tourism in New York City, and strategies for stimulating tourism in the city.

    CONVENING COMMITTEE:

    • Tourism, Arts & Sports Development; Joseph Morelle (D-Irondequoit), chair

  • Insurance industry response to WTC victims
    DATE/TIME: Wednesday, December 12 - 10:30 a.m.
    TOPIC: To evaluate the response of insurance industry and state regulators to claims related to the WTC attack, and to identify areas requiring legislative action.

    CONVENING COMMITTEE:

    • Insurance; Alexander B. Grannis, chair

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