DEC Adds 12 New Locations to New York State Birding Trail

 

New Locations Bring Total Number of Sites Statewide to 344

Trail Provides Birding Opportunities for All New Yorkers, Regardless of Age, Ability, Identity, or Background

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the addition of 12 new locations to the New York State Birding Trail. These new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 344 and provide a wide variety of quality birding experiences for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background.

“The New York State Birding Trail is helping enhance access to nature for countless New Yorkers, from Long Island to Buffalo,” said Commissioner Seggos. “The 12 new birding trail sites announced today will help attract even more visitors to experience the outdoors close to home, particularly during key times of year for birders, like the current fall migration, and bring the total to more 340 diverse and unique birding opportunities available across New York State.”

Birdwatching has become one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities. DEC manages the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with partners that include the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail network includes promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “The New York State Birding Trail helps people see and learn about our state’s diverse species of birds in their native habitats. These 12 new locations add to the all the great places New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy and appreciate the natural world – and we encourage all to check them out."

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “This fall, as visitors and birds flock to New York, we are excited that there are even more areas on the New York State Birding Trail to appreciate our flying feathered friends. I LOVE NY is proud that there are so many prime locations that welcome birdwatchers of all ages and experiences. Coupled with the expanded Trail, there are countless opportunities for a fall getaway - from one of the longest foliage seasons in the country, to fall festivals, delicious food and craft beverages, and unique accommodations, making it easy to love New York.”

The new locations are located on public and private lands across the state:

• Central-Finger Lakes: Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Onondaga County)
• Greater Niagara:
  • Amherst Veterans Canal Park (Erie County)
  • Eight locations within the City of Buffalo (Erie County)
    • Cazenovia Park
    • Delaware Park
    • Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park
    • Ship Canal Commons/Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park
    • South Park / Buffalo Botanical Gardens
    • Unity Island
    • Broderick Park
    • Bird Island Pier

• Long Island: Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center (Nassau County)
• Southern Tier: Audubon Community Nature Center (Chautauqua County)

Now is an exciting time for birding with fall migration underway, and these new additions provide visitors with unique experiences, from large preserves and nature centers with diverse habitats to urban oases steeped in history and teeming with wildlife. As birds make their way back to their wintering homes, a favorite birding site can change within a few days, with different species traveling in and out of a region.

The New York State Birding Trail map is available at www.ibirdny.org and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often. DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I Bird NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (available in Spanish), and additional resources.

DEC also reminds New Yorkers to turn off nighttime lights during fall migration. The ‘Lights Out’ initiative is aimed at keeping non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully. Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds through the State. Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can cause these migrating birds to become disoriented.

In addition to State-owned and managed locations for the Birding Trail, publicly and privately managed sites can complete a simple self-nomination process to be considered for inclusion on the trail. Nominations are reviewed and added to the Birding Trail on a quarterly basis.

Selected sites meet criteria to help ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the state. Additionally, sites post signage noting them as official locations on the Birding Trail. For information on the nomination process and the updated form and guidelines, see www.ibirdny.org.

New segments of the Birding Trail were opened in a phased approach from October 2021 through August 2022. DEC continues to solicit input from a wide range of New Yorkers and organizations that represent Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and is making trail information available in both English and Spanish. Bird walks will be held in collaboration with organizations working with BIPOC communities.

DEC manages and oversees five million acres of public lands and conservation easements and plays a vital role in both protecting New York’s natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. From fishing on scenic streams, hiking and rock climbing, swimming and boating, birding, and nature study, or simply relaxing in a tent under the stars, there are endless adventures to be found. Visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/.

Washington Man Sentenced for Bringing Box of Molotov Cocktails to Protest March in Summer 2020

 

A Washington man was sentenced in the U.S. District Court in Seattle to 40 months in prison for his role in a plot to burn the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) building in downtown Seattle in September 2020.

According to court documents, Justin Christopher Moore, 35, of Renton, made and carried a box of 12 Molotov cocktails in a protest march to the Seattle Police Officers Guild building on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2020. Ultimately, the marchers were moved away from the building in downtown Seattle. Police smelled gasoline and grew concerned about the intentions of protestors. The box containing the 12 gasoline devices was found in the parking lot next to the SPOG building. Using video from that day and from other protests, as well as information from the electronic devices of other co-conspirators, Moore was confirmed as the person seen carrying the box of destructive devices.

In June 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Moore’s residence. They seized clothing that is consistent with the images of what Moore was wearing when he carried the Molotov cocktails. From the basement storage area, they also recovered numerous items that are consistent with manufacturing explosive devices. Law enforcement recovered a notebook in which Moore had made entries related to the manufacturing of destructive devices and the ingredients necessary.

In asking for a 41-month sentence, Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg for the Western District of Washington noted that carrying and leaving the box of explosive bottles was inherently dangerous. “Moore’s offense was extremely dangerous and created a substantial risk of injury to numerous bystanders…. Moore carried the box of 12 Molotov cocktails in a crowd of over 1,000 people who were participating in the protest march. All of them were in harm’s way if one of the devices had exploded.”

The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Seattle Police Department investigated the case.

Bronx Gang Member Sentenced To 40 Years In Prison For Double Murder And Shooting Of 16-Year-Old

 

Kai Johnson Murdered Price Tunstall and Malik Tunstall in August 2021 and Committed the Shooting of a 16-Year-Old in April 2021     

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KAI JOHNSON was sentenced to 40 years in prison in connection with his participation in the murders of Price Tunstall and Malik Tunstall in the vicinity of the James Monroe Houses in the Bronx on August 31, 2021, and a non-fatal shooting of a 16-year-old in the vicinity of the James Monroe Houses in the Bronx on April 4, 2021.  On January 20, 2023, JOHNSON pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering.  U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman imposed today’s sentence.   

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “In broad daylight, Kai Johnson callously murdered two brothers — Price Tunstall and Malik Tunstall — in the courtyard of the James Monroe Houses.  He committed these murders just a few months after shooting and injuring a 16-year-old in the same neighborhood.  Today’s lengthy sentence sends an important message to gang members who commit violent crimes that they will be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”         

As alleged in the Indictment and based on statements made in open court:

KAI JOHNSON is a member or associate of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Stevenson Commons Crew.”  In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Stevenson Commons Crew committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence against rival gangs, including murder and assault; conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and discharging them. 

On August 31, 2021, JOHNSON murdered Malik Tunstall and Price Tunstall in the vicinity of 805 Taylor Avenue in the Bronx, New York.

On April 4, 2021, JOHNSON shot at rival gang members in the vicinity of 877 Taylor Avenue in the Bronx, New York, which resulted in a 16-year-old being grazed in the head with a bullet.

In addition to his prison term, JOHNSON, 28, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Department of Investigation, and the New York City Police Department.                                                         

Governor Hochul Deploys New York State Firefighting Crew to Help Battle Wildland Fires in California

 

Deployment is the Latest in a Busy Fire Year with DEC Firefighters Previously Assisting Canada, California, Idaho, and Montana

 Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a crew of 20 wildland firefighters led by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers is traveling to California where they will assist firefighting efforts underway at the Smith River Complex fire. A Forest Ranger will serve as the crew boss during the two-week assignment for nine other Rangers and 10 of DEC’s expertly trained wildland firefighters from the Divisions of Lands and Forests, Fish and Wildlife, Pesticides, and Emergency Management.

"Whether it’s north of the border to Canada, or across the United States to California, New York always stands at the ready to assist those in need,” Governor Hochul said. “While summer rains have kept New York fires at bay, the impacts from this year’s wildfire season are like none we’ve ever seen before. I commend our brave Forest Rangers for helping New York answer the call for assistance.”

The Smith River Complex fire burned more than 86,000 acres and is currently 21 percent contained. The fire started with a lightning strike on August 15. The New York State crew will join forces with 38 different crews from across the country. All personnel and travel expenses for the New York crews are either paid directly by the U.S. Forest Service or reimbursed to New York State based on a mutual aid agreement between states and federal land agencies.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC Forest Rangers and other trained wildland firefighters bring a wealth of knowledge to assist our neighbors to the west. DEC's wildland firefighters are always prepared to help, serving both on the fire line and behind the scenes as experts in incident command and we wish them a safe and successful assignment in California.”

Wildland fires are not only devastating western states and Canada, but they also have the potential to impact New York's air quality. During several days in June and July, many parts of New York were subject to Air Quality Health Advisories due to fine particulate matter enhanced by smoke from wildfires in Canada and the western United States.

Air Quality Health Advisories are issued when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. Exposure to fine particulate matter can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. New York State will continue to issue advisories whenever conditions warrant to help protect public health. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on the State Department of Health's website. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

In 1979, New York sent its first firefighting crew to assist western states with large wildfires. On average, one or two crews have been sent as needed to assist with wildfires every year since. The crew deployed today will be the ninth deployment of teams or individuals from DEC to assist in incident command or firefighting wildfires out of state. In addition to helping contain wildfires and minimize damage, these crews gain valuable experience that can be utilized fighting wildfires and managing all-risk incidents in New York.

New York State Extends Deadline for Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act Project Ideas Survey

 

Survey Deadline Extended to Sept. 30, 2023

Submissions will Help Inform Funding Distribution Guidelines 

New York State today announced the extension of the deadline to submit project ideas for funding through the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act survey from Sept. 15 to Sept. 30, 2023. The survey, available at https://bit.ly/BondActSurvey, has collected hundreds of project ideas from potential applicants and interested stakeholders so far.

The survey is not a formal funding application, but instead was designed to solicit input about the State's existing funding mechanisms and help municipalities, community-based organizations, and other New Yorkers share potential projects ideas and capture feedback about the types of projects communities may want supported with Bond Act resources.

Projects of interest may include drinking water and wastewater municipal infrastructure needs; flood prevention or areas where home buyouts may be considered; innovative approaches to prevent climate change impacts; actions to increase recreational access or improve recreational infrastructure; opportunities to protect open space or restore habitat; and other potential community-based efforts that complement the Bond Act’s objectives.

The survey was extended in response to requests from community-based organizations and attendees of the Bond Act listening tour that concluded last month and, along with the 10-stop educational listening tour, it is part of the State's commitment to a collaborative and transparent process in the delivery of Bond Act funds. Over several months, the tour – including two virtual sessions with recordings available at www.ny.gov/BondAct - provided an opportunity for the public and potential funding applicants to learn more about the Bond Act and to begin discussions on the guidelines being developed to identify potential projects. The next phase of public engagement is already underway, with ongoing opportunities for the public to comment on guidelines for existing or new programs to distribute funding. Agencies will also continue to coordinate outreach to educate communities about the Bond Act, the development of the guidelines, and current and future funding opportunities.

About the Environmental Bond Act

Overwhelmingly approved by voters last fall, the landmark Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is the largest environmental bond in state history and the first in New York since 1996. The Bond Act makes $4.2 billion available for environmental and community projects that also support job creation and a substantial investment in the Clean Green Schools initiative that will serve more than 1,000 under-resourced public schools. Recognizing that vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by negative environmental and climate change impacts, 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of Bond Act benefits will be directed toward disadvantaged communities.

Specifically, the Environmental Bond Act authorizes:

• $1.5 billion for climate change mitigation;
• $1.1 billion for restoration and flood risk reduction;
• $650 million for water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure;
• $650 million for open space land conservation and recreation; and
• $300 million for other projects not specifically allocated in the Act.

State agencies, local governments, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders will be able to access Bond Act funding over a multi-year process. An inter-agency working group is currently identifying needs for environmental funding across the state and developing program logistics for Bond Act implementation. All proposed eligibility guidelines are released for a public comment period. The most recent draft criteria, which is now being finalized, will guide at least $500 million in funding for zero-emission school buses and infrastructure.

Additionally, this summer, following a public comment period for draft eligibility guidelines for water infrastructure funding, Governor Hochul announced the availability of the first round of Bond Act monies with $200 million combined with other State water infrastructure funding for a total of $425 million. The application deadline closed after a two-week extension to allow more communities hit hard by flooding in July to apply. Applications are now being reviewed. Other Bond Act programs and funding opportunities will continue, as well as ongoing opportunities for state and federal funding that are offered regularly.

New Yorkers interested in learning more about the Bond Act can find general information about the $4.2 billion landmark initiative at the Bond Act website at www.ny.gov/BondAct. The site includes recordings of the two virtual sessions, general information about existing state and federal funding programs that complement the Bond Act objectives and could help leverage Bond Act funds, and a link to the project ideas survey, among other information. The site will continue to be updated and interested individuals can also join a mailing list for updates at BondAct@dec.ny.gov.

D.A. BRAGG, D.O.I. COMMISS. ANNOUNCE SWEEPING BRIBERY, CONSPIRACY INDICTMENTS AGAINST FORMER DOB COMMISSIONER ERIC ULRICH, MULTIPLE ASSOCIATES

 

Ulrich Charged in Five Separate, Wide-Ranging Indictments for Accepting More Than $150,000 Worth of Bribes as New York City Councilmember, Senior Advisor to the Mayor, and New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., and New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber today announced the indictments of former New York City Department of Buildings (“DOB”) Commissioner ERIC ULRICH, 38, for misusing his authority in every public service position he held – as a New York City Councilmember, then a Senior Advisor to the Mayor of New York City, and finally as DOB Commissioner – to benefit his friends and associates in exchange for bribes. He faces five separate New York State Supreme indictments charging him with various counts of Conspiracy, Bribe Receiving, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing. He is charged alongside six associates, including business owners JOSEPH LIVRERI, 55; ANTHONY LIVRERI, 51; and MICHAEL MAZZIO, 54; real estate development CEO MARK CALLER, 51; DOB Filing Representative PAUL GREGO, 73, a/k/a Dominick Grego, a/k/a Domenick Russo; and former Department of Correction (“DOC”) Officer VICTOR TRUTA, 53; who face various counts of Bribery. [1]

D.A. Bragg said: “We allege that Eric Ulrich accepted or solicited more than $150,000 worth of bribes in less than two years by monetizing each elected and appointed role he held in New York City government. At every possible turn, he allegedly used his taxpayer-funded positions as City Councilmember, then Senior Mayoral Advisor, and finally Department of Buildings Commissioner to line his pockets. Government officials must abide by the law and uphold their duty to the People of New York. Particularly when a public servant runs an agency that affects the lives of millions – from residents of apartments to the workers that build them – we must hold them to the highest standard. Thank you to our law enforcement partners at the Department of Investigation for helping us do so today.” 

DOI Commissioner Strauber said: “Government officials who use their positions to enrich themselves betray the trust placed in them to act in the public interest. Eric Ulrich, as Buildings Commissioner, Senior Advisor to the Mayor and City Councilmember, monetized his influence in exchange for $150,000 in cash and gifts from the other defendants, promising them favors such as expedited inspections and City employment for their relatives, according to the charges. As this case shows, we will pursue bribery at any level of New York City government to the full extent of the law, and we thank the Manhattan DA’s Office for their longstanding partnership and shared commitment to our mission to eradicate corruption.” 

The Manhattan D.A.’s Rackets Bureau’s investigation into this matter and included court-ordered electronic surveillance and search warrants, physical surveillance, testimony and analysis of financial and government records from various city agencies. 

According to court documents, since at least 2021, ULRICH solicited and received more than $150,000 worth of cash and gifts from multiple sources, including JOSEPH LIVRERI, ANTHONY LIVRERI, MAZZIO, GREGO, and TRUTA. ULRICH also failed to disclose income on each of his annual financial disclosures he was required to file with the New York City Conflicts of Interests Board pursuant to City law from 2017 through 2021. 

Joseph Livreri, Anthony Livreri, Michael Mazzio ULRICH repeatedly misused his positions of authority as a New York City Councilmember, then a Senior Advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, and finally as DOB Commissioner to benefit his friends and associates in exchange for bribes, including cash to fund his gambling at both public and illegal casinos.

While he was a City Councilmember, ULRICH hired JOSEPH LIVRERI as a part-time aide until the end of ULRICH’s term in 2021. In 2022, as Senior Advisor, ULRICH attempted to secure JOSEPH LIVRERI a new position in New York City government. JOSEPH LIVRERI omitted or falsified information on employment documentation that would have disqualified him from working for the City, including his residency in Nassau County and his partial ownership of an illegal gambling club in Ozone Park called the 89th Street Café. JOSEPH LIVRERI acted as an intermediary between ULRICH and other co-conspirators, insulating ULRICH from the ongoing bribery scheme. 

Between January 5, 2021, and November 1, 2022, ULRICH allegedly used his positions to benefit JOSEPH LIVRERI, his brother ANTHONY LIVRERI, and their associate MICHAEL MAZZIO. ULRICH: 

• Expedited a health inspection at the LIVRERI brothers’ restaurant “Aldo’s Pizza” after they were closed due to multiple health violations. 

• Helped remove a vacate order for the “Fortunato Brothers Bakery” after the business was shut down due to a fire at the LIVRERI brothers’ request. 

•Attempted to resolve licensing issues with the Department of Consumer and Workers Protection for MAZZIO’s towing company, “Mike’s Heavy Duty Towing,” in part through attempts to influence the appointment of the Department Commissioner. 

• Secured a position as a Policy Analyst in the Department of Correction for MAZZIO’s daughter, which included a raise of approximately $20,000. 

• Gave his co-conspirators access to high-ranking officials within New York City government through invites to exclusive events and dinners.

In exchange, JOSEPH LIVRERI, ANTHONY LIVRERI, and MAZZIO gave ULRICH cash which he used in part to fund his gambling at public casinos and at the 89th Street Café, as well as a premium season ticket package to the New York Mets, valued at nearly $10,000. 

Mark Caller - Between December 17, 2021, and November 1, 2022, ULRICH also allegedly used his positions of authority to benefit CALLER, the CEO of the Marcal Group, a real estate development firm. Acting with the purported authority of the Mayor’s Office, ULRICH: 

• Attempted to influence the NYC Department of City Planning in an effort to secure a zoning change for a commercial lot in Rockaway Park so the Marcal Group could construct a new mixed-use, residential and commercial building. 

• Influenced the DOB and the NYC Fire Department to conduct an inspection of a multiple-dwelling building for low-income residents next door to the lot, in hopes of securing a vacate order. 

• Connected CALLER to other high-ranking DOB employees to expedite various requests for Marcal Group projects.

In exchange, CALLER secured ULRICH a significantly discounted beachfront two-bedroom apartment in one of Marcal’s luxury buildings, with perks including full furnishing and a free parking space. 

Paul Grego - Between November 30, 2021, and November 1, 2022, ULRICH also allegedly used his positions of authority to benefit GREGO, a DOB Filing Representative, and GREGO’s clients. ULRICH: 

• Assisted with the issuance of a “Temporary Certificate of Occupancy” to the owners of Ridgewood restaurant “Café Rum,” GREGO’s client, so they could secure a liquor license from the New York State Liquor Authority. 

• As DOB Commissioner, attempted to hire and reassign DOB personnel based on GREGO’s requests. 

• Connected GREGO to other high-ranking DOB employees to expedite his clients’ applications.

In exchange, GREGO purchased a bespoke suit for ULRICH, and procured a painting by Francisco Poblet – the last surviving apprentice of Salvador Dali – as a gift from ULRICH to his girlfriend. 

Victor Truta - Finally, ULRICH accepted money from TRUTA, a former NYC Correction Officer, to intervene with the former NYC Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner in order to secure jobs for TRUTA’s family members.

Assistant D.A.s Guy Tardanico and Denise Vasel are handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Michael Ohm (Deputy Chief of the Rackets Bureau), Judy Salwen (Principal Deputy Chief of the Rackets Bureau) and Jodie Kane (Chief of the Rackets Bureau and Acting Chief of the Investigation Division).

Assisting with the investigation were Investigators Alex Cinque, Jacob Diamond, Genesis De Luna, and Sean Lucas; Senior Investigators Gerald Bergold, Robert Mistretta, Anthony Santoro, Daniel Frooks, and Joseph Monroig; Former Senior Investigator Shannon Rowe; and Supervising Investigators Patrick O’Brien and Max Adler; under the supervision of Assistant Chief Rackets Investigator Michael Wigdor, Assistant Chief of the Investigation Bureau Jonathan Reid, and Chief Investigator Walter Alexander. Assistant D.A. Caroline Serino, Computer Forensics Analyst Laura Estevez, Former Investigative Analyst Philetus Holt, Investigative Analyst Robert Woolf, and Trial Preparation Assistants Alex Millard and Sara Scanlan provided assistance.

At DOI, the case was investigated by multiple squads, including the Offices of the Inspectors General for Elected Officials, Department of Buildings (“DOB”), Fire Department (“FDNY”), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”), Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (“DCWP”), Department of City Planning (“DCP”), Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) and Department of Correction (“DOC”), under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives Christopher Ryan and Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Dominick Zarrella.

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Announces Scheduled Sale of $543 Million State of New York General Obligation Bonds

 

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the details of the negotiated sale of tax-exempt and taxable New York state General Obligation (GO) bonds scheduled for September 27th and 28th, currently estimated to total approximately $543 million. The state expects to sell $459.4 million for new money transportation, education, and environmental purposes with the Series 2023A, 2023B and 2023D bonds. Market conditions permitting, the state expects to sell $83.4 million or more of Series 2023C bonds to refund a portion of certain outstanding GO bonds to reduce the state’s overall debt service costs. A portion of the Series 2023C refunding bonds may include the refunding of existing GO bonds pursuant to the state’s Invitation to Offer Bonds for Purchase (“Invitation for Tender”).

Dependent on market conditions, the state of New York reserves its right to change, amend or cancel this scheduled sale of General Obligation Bonds.

A copy of the Preliminary Official Statement and the Invitation for Tender is available.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on New COVID-19 Vaccine and Urges Precautions as COVID-19 Cases Rise

 

Updated Vaccine Targets COVID-19 Omicron Subvariants Effective Against Newer Strains

CDC Recommends Vaccine for All New Yorkers Ages 6-Months and Older Who Are Two-Months Past Last Vaccine

New Yorkers Also Encouraged to Get Their Annual Flu Shot, in Addition to the Updated COVID Vaccine, and to Ask Providers About the RSV Vaccine

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the CDC’s approval last night of an updated COVID-19 vaccine and urged New Yorkers to get the shot once it is available later this week. The 2023-24 vaccine, previously authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration, is expected to be available at pharmacies and physicians’ offices, as well as other health care providers, throughout New York State in the coming days.

“The vaccine has always been the best way to protect yourself and your community against COVID-19, and this updated vaccine addresses newer strains of the virus that are currently circulating,” Governor Hochul said. “As we enter the Fall season, when respiratory viruses circulate, it is vital that New Yorkers consider getting this updated vaccine to protect themselves from this still dangerous virus.”

The updated vaccine, necessary due to waning immunity and mutated variants, was reformulated and developed in recent months following the FDA decision to target a subvariant of Omicron, called XBB.1.5. According to CDC, more than 90% of the COVID viruses circulating are closely related to that strain, with tests showing the updated vaccine effective at increasing immunity to a more recent variant, called BA.2.86.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As we head into the fall and winter months, and once again see an uptick in COVID across the State, I urge all New Yorkers to remember that COVID is a treatable disease, and we now have an updated vaccine that will help reduce your chance of serious illness and hospitalization. Remember, it’s about personal protection, personal prevention, and personal wellness.”

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months or older who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months to protect against potentially serious illness from COVID-19. Recommended dosages vary dependent on age and COVID-19 vaccine history:

• Children 6 months through 4 years, who are getting the vaccine for the first time, should get two doses of a Moderna vaccine or three doses of a Pfizer vaccine.
• Children 6 months through 4 years who have been previously vaccinated should get just one dose of either updated vaccine.
• Those 5 through 11 are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine regardless of previous vaccination.
• Those 12 and older who have been previously vaccinated are recommended to get a single dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna updated vaccine.
• Those 12 and older who have not been previously vaccinated are recommended to get a two-shot series.
• Those who have been infected with COVID-19 within the last two months should speak with a health care provider.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, without the need for co-pays. Those who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover the updated vaccine, will have access to the shots free of charge through community health centers; local, tribal, or territorial health departments; and pharmacies participating in the HHS’ Bridge Access Program.

Those getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine are also encouraged to ask their health care provider about other vaccines, including flu and RSV.

Individuals who have symptoms should test for COVID-19, and those who test positive should contact their health care provider about possible treatments, which have been shown effective at reducing the chances of serious outcomes. New Yorkers who are immunocompromised, have lung or cardiovascular irregularities, or other risk-factors, and those who are seniors, are especially encouraged to discuss COVID-19 treatments with a health care professional. Those who test positive should also avoid contact with others, including staying home from work, school, and social activities.

At-home COVID-19 tests remain available at many local pharmacies statewide, and New York continues to make high-quality N-95 masks and test kits available to state and county officials by request. New Yorkers should contact their respective county health department or local emergency management office for more information. New Yorkers can also find the current COVID-19 vaccine sites here.

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to take strong actions to monitor and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These steps came after COVID-19 hospitalizations in New York increased this summer and following the detection of BA.2.86 in New York City wastewater.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) and Wadsworth Center continue the vital strategies of wastewater surveillance and laboratory clinical analysis, conducted with partners at Syracuse University and across the state, to understand variant spread and the potential impact on public health.