New Law Opens The Way For Library Funding

August 8, 2007

Assemblyman Tom McKevitt (R,I,C-East Meadow) today announced that legislation he sponsored, which makes the North Merrick Public Library eligible to receive funding through the New York State Dormitory Authority, was signed into law by Governor Spitzer.

“The North Merrick Public Library is a wonderful asset to the residents of North Merrick, and provides valuable services to the North Merrick School District,” said McKevitt. “Unfortunately, the facility which was built in 1956 is inadequate in providing residents the level and quality of a public library that they have come to expect. The current building fails to meet the minimum standards required by the state Education Department for public libraries. With the signing of my bill into law, the library will now be eligible to issue a public bond through the state’s Dormitory Authority to secure the needed funds.”

The projected cost of the project is $5 million, which the community will be asked to support through a public bond referendum, scheduled for October 2007. Assemblyman McKevitt noted that without the passage of his bill, the ability to issue tax-exempt bonds through the Dormitory Authority would not be possible.

“The education of our children is the most important way to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century,” remarked McKevitt “By enabling the North Merrick Public Library to be upgraded we can help ensure that our children and grandchildren have a valuable tool to help them in their learning endeavors.”

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