      Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

                        ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND

Objective:  Provides grants to municipalities and not-for-profit corporations for the acquisition and development  
     of Parks, Historic Preservation projects and the Heritage Areas System.

Administering Agency:  NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NYS Object Code:  69813, 69814, 69815               Year Established:  1993
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.:  NA

Legal Authority:
     Law:  NY Environmental Conservation Law, Environmental Protection Act, Title 9, Article 54
     Regulation: 9 NYCRR 439-443

Program Contact:                       Fiscal Contact:
  T. Kevin Burns                         Peter Finn
  Chief of Grants                        Assistant Director
  Bureau of Grants Management            Bureau of Fiscal Management
  NYS Office of Parks, Recreation        NYS Office of Parks, Recreation
    and Historic Preservation              and Historic Preservation
  ESP, Agency Building 1, 16th Floor     ESP, Agency Building 1, 19th Floor
  Albany, NY  12238                      Albany, NY  12238
  (518) 474-0427                         (518) 486-2923
  
  Beatrice Gamache, Program Manager

Eligibility:  State Agencies, Counties, Cities, Towns, Villages, School Districts, Public Benefit Corporations, Public 
     Authorities and Non-Profit Groups.  Park projects must be in accord with Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor
     Recreation Plan; historic preservation sites must be on a National or State Register of Historic Sites and Places;
     Heritage Areas must be within an UCP boundary and conform to approved UCP plan and contribute to program
     goals.  All projects must be in accord with published regulations.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions:  Funded projects are subject to mandated State requirements. 
     In general, funds may not be used for operation or maintenance, or for facilities not open to the general public.

Action Required to Receive Aid:  Competitive application for aid required, solicited annually. 

Description of Aid:

     Flow of Funds:  State to Local.
     Type of Aid:  Project Grant
     Formula:  NA
     Matching Requirement:  State assistance is provided for up to 50 percent of total allowable project costs.
     Maintenance of Effort:  Yes

Amounts Appropriated:  SFY 1995-96 - $4 million; SFY 1996-97 - $9.5 million.

Amounts Reimbursed to Local Sponsors:  None in SFY 1995-96.  Estimated disbursements for            
     SFY 1996-97 - $1,000,000.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND GRANTS-IN-AID
(CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT
(CLG) SUBGRANTS)

Objective: To assist Certified Local Governments (CLGs) with historic preservation projects, including identi-
fication, evaluation, nomination and protection of the community's cultural resources.

Administering Agency: NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; US Department of Interior

NYS Object Code: 69805 Year Established: 1981
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: 15.904

Legal Authority:
Law: National Historic Preservation Act, as amended.
Regulation: 36 CFR 61

Program Contact: Fiscal Contact:
T. Kevin Burns Peter Finn
Chief of Grants Assistant Director
Bureau of Grants Management Bureau of Fiscal Management
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation NYS Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation and Historic Preservation
ESP, Agency Building 1, 16th Floor ESP, Agency Building 1, 19th Floor
Albany, NY 12238 Albany, NY 12238
(518) 474-0427 (518) 486-2923

Lucy A. Breyer, CLG Coordinator

Eligibility: Counties, Cities, Towns, and Villages. To be eligible for awards, local governments must qualify for
and enroll as CLGs. Requirements include enactment of a local law for designating and preserving historic
properties and establishment of a commission to administer the law.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, but once chosen subject to mandated State and
Federal requirements. All funded projects must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archaeology
and Historic Preservation.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: Federal to State to Local (Pass-through). Monies are provided as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Project grant.
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: Federal 60%; State and Local combined 40%.
Maintenance of Effort: Local effort is encouraged but not required.

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 $91,534 NA NA
SFY 95-96 86,958 NA NA
SFY 96-97 85,000 (Est.) NA NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 $91,533 NA NA
SFY 95-96 86,958 NA NA

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM

Objective: Supports the acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of trails and trail-related pro-
jects.

Administering Agency: NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; US Department of Trans-
portation, Federal Highway Administration

NYS Object Code: 69812 Year Established: 1991
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: 20.219

Legal Authority:
Law: US National Recreational Trails Act of 1991 as amended by the National Highway System Designation
Act of 1995
Regulation: 49 CFR Parts 18 and 19

Marie Devery, Program Manager

Eligibility: State Governments, Counties, Cities, Towns, Villages, School Districts, Public Authorities and Private
Non-Profit Groups.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, but once chosen subject to mandated State and
Federal requirements.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: Federal to State; Federal to State to Local (Pass-through). Monies are provided as a
reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Project grant of limited duration.
Formula: Statewide Comprehensive Recreation Plan Rating System.
Matching Requirement: Federal share no more than 50 percent of total allowable project costs.
Maintenance of Effort: Yes

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA NA NA
SFY 95-96 NA NA NA
SFY 96-97 $400,000* NA NA

*Application cycle winter 1997.

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA NA NA
SFY 95-96 NA NA NA

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST

Objective: Supports the preservation and improvement of natural and historic resources of the State including
zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums.

Administering Agency: NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NYS Object Code: 69806 Year Established: 1968
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, Section 55.07
Regulation: NA

Frederick Cohn, Program Manager

Eligibility: Counties, Cities, Towns, Villages and Non-Profit Groups. Must be a Natural Heritage Trust
institution.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, but once chosen subject to mandated State require-
ments. Restrictions apply per program guidelines and individual contract provisions. Consult program contact
for details.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local.
Type of Aid: Project Grant
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: NA
Maintenance of Effort: Monies must supplement existing funding, not replace it.

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $4,951,600 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 4,951,600 NA
SFY 96-97 NA 4,951,600 NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $4,951,600 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 1,423,296 NA

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NAVIGATION LAW ENFORCEMENT

Objective: Supports local government enforcement of Navigation Law.

Administering Agency: NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NYS Object Code: 69802 Year Established: 1960
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Navigation Law
Regulation: 9 NYCRR, Subtitle I, Chapter V, Subchapter A

Program Contact: Fiscal Contact:
Nelson K. Potter Peter Finn
Director Assistant Director
Marine and Recreational Vehicles Bureau of Fiscal Management
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation NYS Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation and Historic Preservation
ESP, Agency Building 1, 13th Floor ESP, Agency Building 1, 19th Floor
Albany, NY 12238 Albany, NY 12238
(518) 474-0445 (518) 486-2923

Eligibility: Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages. For enforcement of the provisions of the Navigation Law, must
have accident reporting systems and vessel related equipment theft programs approved by Commissioner.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, but once chosen subject to mandated State
requirements.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Non-competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided in advance of expenditures. Program cap: $400,000.
Type of Aid: Ongoing
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: State up to 75%, Local remainder
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $2,100,000 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 1,800,000 NA
SFY 96-97 NA 1,800,000 NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $1,713,500 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 1,796,999 NA

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

SNOWMOBILE LAW ENFORCEMENT

Objective: Supports the enforcement of snowmobile safety to protect private and public property.

Administering Agency: NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NYS Object Code: 69803 Year Established: 1970
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law
Regulation: 9 NYCRR, Subtitle I, Chapter V, Subchapter B

Eligibility: Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages. Must be able to enforce the provisions of the Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation Law.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, but once chosen subject to mandated State require-
ments. Must be used for snowmobile law enforcement expenditures.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Non-competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Ongoing
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: State 50%, Local 50%
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA NA $70,000
SFY 95-96 NA NA 70,000
SFY 96-97 NA NA 70,000

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA NA $55,000
SFY 95-96 NA NA 57,078

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

SNOWMOBILE TRAIL DEVELOPMENT AND
MAINTENANCE

Objective: Provides financial assistance to counties for snowmobile trail development and maintenance.

Administering Agency: NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NYS Object Code: 69816 Year Established: 1985
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Parks and Recreation Law
Regulation: NYCRR, Chapter V, Subchapter A, Part 454

Eligibility: Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages. Must be engaged in assisting development and maintenance
of a snowmobile trail program system.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, but once chosen subject to mandated State
requirements.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided partially as an advance and partially as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Ongoing
Formula: Funding generated from user registration fee is shared among applicants based on each applicant's
share of the expenses of all applicants.
Matching Requirement: NA
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA NA $530,000
SFY 95-96 NA NA 530,000
SFY 96-97 NA NA 670,000

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA NA $580,604*
SFY 95-96 NA NA 633,151*

*Payments are split between two appropriation years. Seventy percent of grant comes from one year, thirty
percent paid out of next year's appropriation after April 1.

       Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

                     COMMUNITY PROGRAMS - DEMONSTRATION
                                   PROJECTS

Objective:  Develops alternatives to incarceration which are acceptable to the community and the criminal justice 
     system.

Administering Agency:  NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

NYS Object Code:  66603*                            Year Established:  1982
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.:  NA

Legal Authority:
     Law:  NY Laws of 1982, Chapter 267
     Regulation: NA

Program Contact:                       Fiscal Contact:
  David Singer                           Howard R. Bancroft
  Probation Program Administrator        Administrative Officer
  NYS Division of Probation and          NYS Division of Probation and
    Correctional Alternatives              Correctional Alternatives
  Executive Park Tower, 3rd Floor        Executive Park Tower, 3rd Floor
  Stuyvesant Plaza                       Stuyvesant Plaza 
  Albany, New York  12203-3764           Albany, New York  12203-3764
  (518) 485-2398                         (518) 485-5142

Eligibility:  Counties, City of New York and Private Non-Profit Groups.  

Type of Program and Special Restrictions:  Optional, without any State or Federal requirements.  

Action Required to Receive Aid:  Non-competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

     Flow of Funds:  State to Local.  Monies are provided partially as an advance and partially as a reimbursement.
     Type of Aid: Project Grant
     Formula:  NA
     Matching Requirement:  NA
     Maintenance of Effort:  NA

Amounts Appropriated:

                 Federal Funds    State General Funds  State Spec. Rev.

     SFY 94-95        NA               $6,888,300             NA
     SFY 95-96        NA                7,400,900             NA
     SFY 96-97        NA                7,281,300             NA

Amounts Disbursed:

                 Federal Funds    State General Funds  State Spec. Rev.

     SFY 94-95        NA               $6,271,000             NA
     SFY 95-96        NA                3,236,900             NA

*Refers to local alternatives to incarceration and other programs.

Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

INTENSIVE SUPERVISION PROGRAM

Objective: Provides a sentencing alternative to jail or prison bound probation eligible D and E class felons.

Administering Agency: NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

NYS Object Code: 66602 Year Established: 1978
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Laws of 1996, Chapter 54
Regulation: NY Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives Rules and Regulations

Program Contact: Fiscal Contact:
David Singer Howard R. Bancroft
Probation Program Administrator Administrative Officer
NYS Division of Probation and NYS Division of Probation and
Correctional Alternatives Correctional Alternatives
Executive Park Tower, 3rd Floor Executive Park Tower, 3rd Floor
Stuyvesant Plaza Stuyvesant Plaza
Albany, New York 12203-3764 Albany, New York 12203-3764
(518) 485-2398 (518) 485-5142

Eligibility: Counties, City of New York and Local Probation Offices.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, without any State or Federal requirements. May
not be used for capital outlay or debt service costs for capital improvements. Other restrictions are listed in
Division Rules and Regulations.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Non-competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Project Grant
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: NA
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $8,735,000 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 8,735,000 NA
SFY 96-97 NA 8,735,000 NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $8,408,500 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 5,400,300 NA

Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

JUVENILE INTENSIVE SUPERVISION PROBATION

Objective: Provides a sentencing alternative to juvenile delinquents for an offense other than a violent felony if
such youth suffered from an alcohol or drug dependency at the time of the offense.

Administering Agency: NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

NYS Object Code: 66611 Year Established: 1994
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Laws of 1995, Chapter 54
Regulation: NA

Eligibility: Counties, City of New York and Local Probation Offices.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, but once chosen subject to mandated State require-
ments. May not be used for capital outlay or debt service costs for capital improvements.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Project Grant
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: NA
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $1,500,000 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 1,500,000 NA
SFY 96-97 NA 1,500,000 NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA NA NA
SFY 95-96 NA $380,000 NA

Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

LOCAL ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION

Objective: Aids the development of realistic and effective non-incarcerative programs.

Administering Agency: NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

NYS Object Code: 66603* Year Established: 1984
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Laws of 1984, Chapters 906 and 907
Regulation: NA

Eligibility: Counties, City of New York and Private Non-Profit Groups.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, but once chosen subject to mandated State require-
ments. May not be used for capital outlay or debt service costs for capital improvements. Other restrictions
are listed in the division's rules and regulations.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Non-competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Project Grant
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: 50% State, 50% Local
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $6,588,000 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 6,588,000 NA
SFY 96-97 NA 6,588,000 NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $6,147,900 NA
SFY 95-96 NA NA NA

*Refers to local alternatives to incarceration and other programs.

Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

LOCAL ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION
DRUG & ALCOHOL PROGRAM

Objective: Aids the development of realistic and effective non-incarceration programs.

Administering Agency: NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

NYS Object Code: 66607 Year Established: 1989
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Executive Law, Article 13A, Section 266
Regulation: NA

Eligibility: Counties, City of New York and Private Non-Profit Groups.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Non-competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided partially as an advance and partially as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Project Grant
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: State 100% (Year 1); State 75%, Local 25% (Year 2); State 50%, Local 50% (There-
after)
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $2,714,400 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 2,714,400 NA
SFY 96-97 NA 2,714,400 NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $2,631,900 NA
SFY 95-96 NA NA NA

Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

LOCAL PROBATION SERVICES

Objective: Supports the maintenance and improvement of local probation services.

Administering Agency: NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

NYS Object Code: 66601 Year Established: 1955
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Executive Law, Section 246
Regulation: NA

Eligibility: Counties and City of New York. Requires an approved plan for services and an approved State aid
application.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Mandated, required by State law or regulations. May not be
used for capital outlay or debt service costs for capital improvements. Other restrictions are listed in Part 360.3
of the Division's Rules and Regulations.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Non-competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Ongoing
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: 50% State, 50% Local
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $54,971,000 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 54,971,000 NA
SFY 96-97 NA 54,971,000 NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $54,971,000 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 54,971,000 NA

Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

PROBATION ELIGIBLE DIVERSION

Objective: Provides incentive funding to implement community-based supervision and treatment programs de-
signed to divert first time non-violent felony offenders from State prison.

Administering Agency: NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

NYS Object Code: 66609 Year Established: 1994
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.: NA

Legal Authority:
Law: NY Laws of 1996, Chapter 54
Regulation: NA

Eligibility: Counties, City of New York and Local Probation offices.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions: Optional, without any State or Federal mandated
requirements.

Action Required to Receive Aid: Non-competitive application for aid required.

Description of Aid:

Flow of Funds: State to Local. Monies are provided partially as an advance and partially as a reimbursement.
Type of Aid: Ongoing subject to annual application.
Formula: NA
Matching Requirement: NA
Maintenance of Effort: NA

Amounts Appropriated:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $3,322,600 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 1,661,300 NA
SFY 96-97 NA 1,661,300 NA

Amounts Disbursed:

Federal Funds State General Funds State Spec. Rev.

SFY 94-95 NA $231,200 NA
SFY 95-96 NA 197,800 NA

                  Public Employment Relations Board

                         PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES
                           (Technical Assistance)

Objective:    Resolves disputes regarding the representation status of employees, assists in the resolution of dis-  
     putes that arise in the course of collective bargaining and adjudicates improper practice charges concerning
     rights protected by the Taylor Law to unimpaired representation and collective bargaining over the terms and
     conditions of employment.

Administering Agency:  NYS Public Employment Relations Board

NYS Object Code:  NA                                Year Established:  1967
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.:  NA

Legal Authority:
     Law:  NY Civil Service Law (Taylor Law), Article 14
     Regulation:  Rules of the Public Employment Relations Board

Program Contact:                       Fiscal Contact:
  Pauline R. Kinsella                    Rosemarie V. Rosen
  Chairperson                            Executive Director
  Public Employment Relations Board      Public Employment Relations Board
  80 Wolf Road, 5th Floor                80 Wolf Road, 5th Floor
  Albany, NY  12205-2604                 Albany, NY  12205-2604
  (518) 457-2578                         (518) 457-2578

Eligibility:  Public employers and public employee organizations, as well as individual public employees, may    
     request assistance.  Mayoral agencies of the City of New York are excluded.

Type of Program and Special Restrictions:  Mandated, required by State law or regulations.

Action Required to Receive Aid:  Forms available from agency for filing improper practice charges, dispute 
     resolution and publication services.

Description of Aid:

     Created by the Public Employees' Fair Employment Act (Taylor Law), the Public Employment Relations Board
     (PERB) has responsibility for ensuring cooperative relationships between State and local governments and their
     employees.  The board provides administration of certain arbitration services and furnishes mediation and fact
     finding services to public employers and employee organizations, as well as a mechanism for resolving or
     deciding improper practices.  Technical assistance to local governments is provided in establishing, structuring
     and utilizing joint labor-management committees.  These committees meet to discuss and resolve issues of
     common interest which are normally outside the collective bargaining agreement.  To assist in the understanding
     of the Taylor Law, the statutory provisions for collective bargaining and representation, and the rules and
     decisions of the board, PERB publishes a number of pamphlets and/or publications and conducts education and
     training programs regularly around the State.  A publication list and fees and program schedules may be
     obtained by contacting PERB at (518) 457-2676.