States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
Featured Stories
Pa. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Launches New Portal to Simplify Pennsylvania Tax Appeals
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 25 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2025:
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the launch of the new online Tax Appeal Portal to streamline Pennsylvania's tax appeal process. Taxpayers and tax practitioners filing appeals with the Department of Revenue (DOR) through the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R) can now find all applicable forms in one convenient online location.
To use the Tax Appeal Portal, taxpayers and tax practitioners will first create a password-protected account. Password verification is
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 25 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2025:
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the launch of the new online Tax Appeal Portal to streamline Pennsylvania's tax appeal process. Taxpayers and tax practitioners filing appeals with the Department of Revenue (DOR) through the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R) can now find all applicable forms in one convenient online location.
To use the Tax Appeal Portal, taxpayers and tax practitioners will first create a password-protected account. Password verification isrequired for enhanced security.
Once an account is created, users can:
* File a petition;
* Upload supporting documents;
* Request a hearing continuance;
* Request a compromise directly with the DOR;
* Request a mediated settlement conference (for appeals filed on or after January 27, 2025); and
* Take advantage of other features.
Those using the Tax Appeal Portal will be able to see all petitions they have filed through the Portal and verify any documents that were previously uploaded.
BF&R is an independent administrative tax tribunal, administered by the State Treasurer, responsible for the second and final level of administrative appeal (with minor exceptions) before appealing to court. Its Board consists of three members - two are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate; the third is the State Treasurer or her designee and serves as Chair.
For more information about BF&R's new Tax Appeal Portal, visit patreasury.gov/bfr.
* * *
"Making the tax appeal process easier makes sense on every level. This new tool makes it simpler and more efficient to file an appeal, and it's a great example of focusing on how we can make government work better for the taxpayers."
- Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity
* * *
Original text here: https://www.patreasury.gov/newsroom/archive/2025/01-24-BFR.html
Pa. Gov. Shapiro: Governor's Advisory Commission on Women Highlights 2 Years of Building Administration That Represents All Pennsylvanians
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 25 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2025:
* * *
The Governor's Advisory Commission on Women has served as a crucial voice in the Shapiro Administration, raising some of the most important issues for women in Pennsylvania - from Black maternal health to menstrual equity in schools, and accessible childcare - directly to Governor Josh Shapiro.
Over the last two years, the Shapiro Administration has successfully delivered commonsense solutions for women - and Governor Shapiro is laser focused on getting even more
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 25 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2025:
* * *
The Governor's Advisory Commission on Women has served as a crucial voice in the Shapiro Administration, raising some of the most important issues for women in Pennsylvania - from Black maternal health to menstrual equity in schools, and accessible childcare - directly to Governor Josh Shapiro.
Over the last two years, the Shapiro Administration has successfully delivered commonsense solutions for women - and Governor Shapiro is laser focused on getting even morestuff done to build on the successes of his first two years in office.
* * *
As the Shapiro Administration marks the two-year milestone of Governor Josh Shapiro's first term as Pennsylvania's 48th Governor, the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women is highlighting the ways that Governor Shapiro's G-S-D approach to governing has delivered for women all across the Commonwealth.
"I am proud of everything our Commission has accomplished in the last two years. It is an honor to work alongside the Commissioners to address the needs of women and girls in Pennsylvania" said Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director, Governor's Advisory Commission on Women. "The Commission is committed to cultivating a workforce that empowers women, creating a safer Commonwealth, improving women's health and wellbeing, and supporting women as they age. Our mission will remain the same as we head into the next two years."
In June 2023, Governor Shapiro established six Advisory Commissions to help ensure all Pennsylvanians have a voice in state government. The Governor's Advisory Commissions are led by an Executive Director and made up of a group of Commissioners from all across the Commonwealth who work together to make recommendations to the Governor on policies and legislation that impact their communities.
In the last 18 months, Executive Director Hathaway has worked with 28 commissioners to help raise some of the most important issues impacting women directly to Governor Shapiro and advise Commonwealth agencies on programs and services relevant to women's needs. As a result, the Shapiro Administration has made significant progress to deliver commonsense solutions to the issues they face and make meaningful investments in communities across Pennsylvania.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities
The Shapiro Administration has prioritized addressing maternal health disparities, especially for Black and Brown women, including:
* Historic Investments in Maternal Health: In the 2023-24 budget, the Governor worked to secure the first-ever investment in addressing maternal mortality with $2.3 million to expand maternal health programming and for the implementation of prevention strategies to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. Governor Shapiro built on that success by securing an additional $2.6 million in the 2024-25 budget for maternal mortality prevention.
* Partnering with the Black Maternal Health Caucus: The Commission has partnered with the Black Maternal Health Caucus to host events like the documentary screening of the film Aftershock. This issue is also a priority for Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis.
* Protecting a Woman's Right to Choose: Governor Shapiro firmly believes women and girls deserve to make their own choices about their own bodies - and that they should have access to the full range of reproductive health care services, which includes menstrual and maternal health.
- Governor Shapiro has always fought for a woman's right to choose - including launching a website for reproductive healthcare resources to help Pennsylvanians find information about both medication abortions and in-clinic procedure abortions, and joining the multi-state Reproductive Freedom Alliance to safeguard abortion access, protect abortion providers, and affirm abortion rights.
Highlighting Menstrual Equity
The Shapiro Administration has highlighted the need menstrual equity and worked to keep girls in the classroom, including:
* Providing Menstrual Products in K-12 Schools: First Lady Lori Shapiro has been a fierce advocate for menstrual equity, which is why Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 budget (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.EpE68xvdiHi-2F3uU9U1WHucakOUeCR-2FAVyl-2FLh3TGQzMb9R93gJxVk-2FX4y6dE-2BifJlMfD4qmfN2amoOpW4t7E8Q-3D-3D2UAi_yxDewkBJRtcA7yToW3Z9ukNq55hOMNa-2F2U0AmJhKXuRnKNzrx8xam1syIvY3WRO-2B8QEkwhlzTDgMy6NU6dsk4xseKLTugcjM9p766-2BZ25YhXe53gDr8unc8KJL8Z3tz8-2FR-2FmBx8jO5FOgQx42yJs9pxLLDAg3-2BFLTHofvCLwUEN8nIQjkuof-2FFGfQwdSG-2Fcep9yDciqFK4RFd-2FaCbgE6j39GAkAWDWK-2BDztPdwvqdlkdWNmiqANzaBTxHLWQfLZCTsd3Sc1Uyg7O6xbjyj0XrRIMedZjCkS-2BIyLZEPyMJbnuu5FksKLt5328ZaY4fL85GNgrMEPwQzpO0fQ2RpeWjIw-2BjmxfvxMKXy7RL6jGrXuqz5YL0fbsaK4y7R8QUm05&data=05%7C02%7Cbchau%40pa.gov%7Cb25771958bf34ad8125508dd3c903479%7C418e284101284dd59b6c47fc5a9a1bde%7C0%7C0%7C638733312227613559%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DxKvHoIZFF60d4WuEX1YtMmVtLBSWsIAHjCRDLzmgDQ%3D&reserved=0) included $3 million to provide period products in schools to help close a gap in women's health care.
* Decreasing the Stigma: In May 2024, Governor Shapiro proclaimed May 28th to be Menstrual Hygiene Day for the first time in Pennsylvania's history. He was also the first Governor in Pennsylvania to discuss periods in his Budget Address. The Commission has also stood alongside the Women's Health Caucus at various press conferences to advocate for menstrual equity statewide.
* Raising Awareness: First Lady Lori Shapiro and the Commission have visited nonprofits and met with students directly to raise awareness around menstrual equity. In December 2024, members of the Shapiro Administration met with students at Warwick Middle School to highlight how the Warwick School District supports their students by offering free menstrual products in school restrooms in partnership with local, parent-led nonprofit, Warwick United.
Cutting Child Care Costs
The Shapiro Administration has also worked to cut costs for childcare in Pennsylvania, including:
* Expanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Governor Shapiro knows that a lack of affordable childcare holds back our children, parents, and our economy, which is why he expanded the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for nearly 210,000 Pennsylvania families.
* Creating a New Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit: This tax credit incentivizes employers to contribute to their employees' childcare expenses. Under the credit, employers can claim a credit for up to 30% of their aggregate contributions to employees' eligible childcare costs. The credit is capped at $500 per employee, and contributions from employers are excluded from the income of the receiving employees.
* Building Community: The Commission has hosted listening sessions with parents in the agriculture industry and advocates in Centre County. They participated in a Childcare Town Hall in Cumberland County and visited a childcare center in the Lehigh Valley to hear directly from the provider.
The Shapiro Administration: Two Years of G-S-D
As Governor Shapiro marks two years in office, the Shapiro Administration remains committed to building a Commonwealth that is warm and welcoming for all - and where all Pennsylvanians have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. From creating jobs and economic opportunity, to investing in education and public safety, Governor Shapiro will continue to deliver the kind of commonsense solutions that help make life better for all Pennsylvanians and deliver results for our communities.
Visit Governor Shapiro's Accomplishments website (https://www.pa.gov/governor/governor-shapiro-s-accomplishments.html) to explore the Administration's interactive midterm report (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.EpE68xvdiHi-2F3uU9U1WHueUqrm1-2BicXcee99V6kazzCrzD4UEJHUbsAE-2BrVqH4w3oDigx5IYbrH7xqcfn9jzfIK5w3Joy-2FisLHmHMkaZA2KAeoakvDTYL59d8nqQjF7K-2F71kw5xuLAyJkMSwuQ7V2Wn5UnKQSAygOVufBN1zmYFGr5dU0DPT-2BcTj3tnvX3ZhKQems4BZvnTDsdV-2BC4vE8g1zru-2FpHLGcf7Gzo9WY5ciBeUhsBqVuyUSzCboT9XBLrakzKy1GEdKhvaX9YKE5PcZgpdwaT1uFKaqclGkDLYw-2FGusJqnAgVKl-2FcYXYeglJh6uxnL0SCuXdjsD-2BAfILqnjiNSdfI5rMCSD47mygnH2jjS4CJvO7T-2BCzFczlatNSdPL4uHVIFntvHovliERgGfEUCYw98EGOT-2F9yqxt0eaVY6BxesOarx8FUSNztaGmsTm00uITYvRQBOUFZL6pY6G9tazPX9pU4cky7FCRf9qJ4jE7XozV9HhBwOmphAZxAKqXS20LaREe9Nd609flguK62ADrHpJMenDLsoZjrEeobRzTECpF-2FU0FTSzPg0Rw4ZtO0tPbv74GhtQtwSumDVvXwbncnuQjOxvFFSHhpVVVFiVDdmBT9bnO3H7t6lmpfqCxim2JPi5nAV6s-2Fv1QH1whOg5l0RjSuuRt6dZq8Iz3na61vxBpzcIEmAazlYAKcLMJA4y9hvan7bcpXRaLOyOaHSmWK3-2B-2FzQ4ihMkS2mVvIrlXkJ4JuMpvl6pXzHuRpvZLlIkGKBGs8OYE7ecioexqmIbDrNBMlO8uzFl2ORftpmpgp6IfYO6N0F8-2B0FG6NTZvvi-2FASbli-2F3N7nur3S2CoY7gC-2BfAP-2BL-2FGzvHXqDvidmqs4-2FbG4AIA9e7KqEXA44rnJ0DdEwgC-2FDQpM5GXlsuG40ARhNuB6Wo23BO6PcSmDbLM5B2iX8tihI9Z0l4DVGhEG1mFJV2iyPTXoCp5djA-2B7H7Ihlx6nQXnMxToyQFLawtvbgOk8bFVmFCd01Jl-2FQhYiGYSdYjyzAI6V4O3xt-2FQXbiISyBLNuTxh5aVtNTCwpZ9zSi6L-2FTWF4eXyyqZ5qolfX-2F7bSTnjxKk31Iv-2BfQhIH-2BUnfA67eBwrKglBr-2BUgadgIRiWL6SmheqvBDSXW5xWTjTToQcxrrVkXqkf11W4E6ZeRhXIBuu2bbSqkkR9cRLuiXWAk9wrUvi76fHsZ-2F98LGe7TCX7DnVTSTrBFnJWz0wkbM4qjsqST85CWke0c-2F7lnh7EUWltinKB-2FQJ0lGtrFqHQxl6sVRfnpZbdkTfbLxivZwtiNN0DBpYi-2FgeCavYK3pDPc9dkNQWpnAJdb2L7tpopkufdic-2BHsfQ8G-2BG40ueA46vD4ycSfWF1AiNA-3DwYqZ_yxDewkBJRtcA7yToW3Z9ukNq55hOMNa-2F2U0AmJhKXuRnKNzrx8xam1syIvY3WRO-2B8QEkwhlzTDgMy6NU6dsk4xseKLTugcjM9p766-2BZ25YhXe53gDr8unc8KJL8Z3tz8-2FR-2FmBx8jO5FOgQx42yJs9pxLLDAg3-2BFLTHofvCLwUEN8nIQjkuof-2FFGfQwdSG-2Fcep9yDciqFK4RFd-2FaCbgE6j4cI1QePYItH3G-2BcxU8805cuSKukKGpwU-2FSLD1O3JDks7AY-2B4WBVGH6WVQ41sepiuPg0bkQ1LNbwzqfmjY7RArUGlozLvbw6J-2Fqi8i6ecvHc0Zr4vWMxnt3f2uxCWsNe2QLIkNXxNyhhAZRnmVIcpCg3E-2FJIfH5eqpfY9PNUb-2Bei&data=05%7C02%7Cbchau%40pa.gov%7Cb25771958bf34ad8125508dd3c903479%7C418e284101284dd59b6c47fc5a9a1bde%7C0%7C0%7C638733312227682177%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2BUE1QiPe6HSUbKfuixafzyWTG7KhCxPGy56cGx9ZU6k%3D&reserved=0) and download a detailed PDF overview (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.EpE68xvdiHi-2F3uU9U1WHueUqrm1-2BicXcee99V6kazzCrzD4UEJHUbsAE-2BrVqH4w3oDigx5IYbrH7xqcfn9jzfIK5w3Joy-2FisLHmHMkaZA2KAeoakvDTYL59d8nqQjF7K-2F71kw5xuLAyJkMSwuQ7V2Wn5UnKQSAygOVufBN1zmYFGr5dU0DPT-2BcTj3tnvX3Zhjm0MEJW57RMye7TUHuN-2B1lvh-2B5KaQZeZQKi-2FoEYA3WJ-2FxFhqTs4sPaDOI4y-2B6NKA1aoBcv9nL-2FysCt0gfN1A2Z1Ra5E3UVXQiGLgAOq66K8g2Kq1COy3uzBeffV-2FItvz8gmpFwJEiwY16C8Z3msW-2B-2FrITf84F3Un0ec-2BjLXa-2BFqek-2FaGIdi8NEIe6PTyrgTzATulpcR-2B-2BKkA91Oxx06Ac-2Fc7KQxrM43bYtuWK0IW1fbL6c1EW2-2Bfpyw0GF-2BuXNPSN9hnrrRefAe2ulMh3URJHQOaksR9LAqA52X8eKh7LuuIjDzl7lxMp-2Finh75uHLst32oKdoInh9zPhx4sn-2F-2Fh-2FjvbNnNX59cCY050m5P28EFiL2MZysKkrXHwyaubTIl6Mj-2FFA0P1nCGm5VjwAiRis7AVKv1DZ4povPpjS8ZYzxFD65d0eIrlWttfMU7ckLE4Bgcfh-2BIFKUjrzPfZaShmJzeO9lrMMEyvdhNzN85ghw98u1Hag-2BK03FuAR736ZiwqgGU7EMgw6y0dv1A7uX-2FVMozppln3sZBmuICohi3G6Vn638hdxvD-2B6HeESRfHZc0JycuNudZkBMXFFS0Jxt1KefIugVAJ9jf1Kgng6y00q1D62KlHROLL7aMECFjzdm39bFgm9SBLgmAad3kYxTqXSnfn5lKWM-2BuLABR4Bma-2BnrlEGAJMvYlW-2FYgmguuWlXghjqfLH8FuUxAlrxACLHPb123JaLsgt9mNWAoT2Ppxho6ydq-2F6izfGWxG2wh2-2Bpmvd6MDDM0svCI6uyJisqEwC8YmwXIIaA87ZHpouJM3wWs6VkcRD-2B83pCKdlPmusKlwDIiF-2F45p1p5WpUrvzjQtLH5N-2F5QrH4qlPBdB6Ldm5l32Ff3NCB4gQQnVIiDi2ug1VXSBypJQhSGnBFGNTGBT8-2BrV4Tfywi9L-2BP-2F7jQlZ2ZSYFdAxkacPSjeMFRU416henV6tFGOeshVsPKKtzCCkqBBOOpauxO6sqGyWRY4U9wFGRa-2F5KpCQTT54JEUukLlyb-2FOmA3Z-2BQXLyPsroaiHnx4W-2BS37Dz5uj6xd0s5E0dR2dTYXV7YPsgGW-2BgjbSpsY-2FZ7JWjx21AackSQU9MX8sJOtOfISx5kkq6SuJh16ZUkjamuq2TnQBWkorioOjvQmgfAlQtSQ1fLv74-2BdTVZmERGWrTrMZSYEyrHzquGGp1CGmRPD1MZc-2BClSQ-2FXfr3xK3ehaBEcXGL1A5tTNAYQC7jSg-3D-3D4utg_yxDewkBJRtcA7yToW3Z9ukNq55hOMNa-2F2U0AmJhKXuRnKNzrx8xam1syIvY3WRO-2B8QEkwhlzTDgMy6NU6dsk4xseKLTugcjM9p766-2BZ25YhXe53gDr8unc8KJL8Z3tz8-2FR-2FmBx8jO5FOgQx42yJs9pxLLDAg3-2BFLTHofvCLwUEN8nIQjkuof-2FFGfQwdSG-2Fcep9yDciqFK4RFd-2FaCbgE6j6p3Td7juwtonBPYDSDQHE-2B2a5YUN-2Buc8ng9WTciLrEu-2Bw2nrMNSL-2Bc20uez4pWmU-2B0MjwJ8IJKNEyPUdXibQp2oYG0-2F4oraCag-2BoXxCaU5wFN4PyIHgnwNlCKtT5RGixbzFyAP5t7VnbL-2BW-2FCaQy8zIyB4AjEPT6pHl24fjfkoa&data=05%7C02%7Cbchau%40pa.gov%7Cb25771958bf34ad8125508dd3c903479%7C418e284101284dd59b6c47fc5a9a1bde%7C0%7C0%7C638733312227705314%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2B1aer5GtGfN2O8wq3vyunr0VMTuYKCwFAOokMC66a9w%3D&reserved=0) of accomplishments.
To learn more about how you can get involved with the Commission's work, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join our stakeholder list by emailing women@pa.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/the-governor-s-advisory-commission-on-women-highlights-two-years.html
N.Y. PSC Approves Con Edison Tariff Changes for Electric Service
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 25 -- The New York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC) has approved tariff amendments filed by Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) to clarify the definition of "peak hour" used in its electric service rates.
The amendments introduce the term "ICAP Market Peak Hour" and define it as the non-holiday weekday hour in July or August with the highest electricity demand in the New York Control Area, as determined by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).
This clarification will improve the clarity and consistency of Con Edison's tariffs and
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 25 -- The New York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC) has approved tariff amendments filed by Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) to clarify the definition of "peak hour" used in its electric service rates.
The amendments introduce the term "ICAP Market Peak Hour" and define it as the non-holiday weekday hour in July or August with the highest electricity demand in the New York Control Area, as determined by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).
This clarification will improve the clarity and consistency of Con Edison's tariffs andensure that the company uses the appropriate peak hour definition for its installed capacity market provisions.
The NYPSC also directed Con Edison to file minor revisions to its tariffs to address certain housekeeping matters and to maintain consistency with other recent Commission orders.
These tariff amendments will become effective on February 1, 2025.
* * *
Docket: Case No. 24-E-0506
Original text here: https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={309E9994-0000-C713-8536-5CEF188AAF56}
N.Y. PSC Approves Change to Champlain Hudson Power Express Project
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 25 -- The New York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC) has approved a change to the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project, a high-voltage transmission line that will deliver hydropower from Canada to New York City.
The approved change involves modifying the construction method for a segment of the project in the Towns of New Scotland and Bethlehem. Instead of an open-cut trench, the company will use horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install the cable under a state highway, eliminating the need for temporary lane closures and reducing potential impacts on the
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 25 -- The New York State Public Service Commission (NYPSC) has approved a change to the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project, a high-voltage transmission line that will deliver hydropower from Canada to New York City.
The approved change involves modifying the construction method for a segment of the project in the Towns of New Scotland and Bethlehem. Instead of an open-cut trench, the company will use horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install the cable under a state highway, eliminating the need for temporary lane closures and reducing potential impacts on theroadway.
This change requires a slight adjustment to the project's alignment, resulting in minor increases and decreases in wetland impacts. The Commission determined that these changes are acceptable, as they minimize environmental impacts and comply with the requirements of the project's environmental permit.
The NYPSC reviewed the proposed change and received no public comments during the comment period. The Commission also consulted with relevant state agencies, including the New York State Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
This approval allows the project to proceed with construction activities in accordance with the revised plans.
* * *
Docket: Case No. 10-T-0139
Original text here: https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={60989994-0000-C81F-8992-43BD90503284}
MTA Announces Opening of Fully Accessible Woodhaven Blvd JZ Station
NEW YORK, Jan. 25 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2025:
* * *
Federally Funded Project Includes Two New Elevators for ADA Accessibility, Two New Stairways, and State of Good Repair Work
* * *
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of two new elevators, making the Woodhaven Blvd J Z station fully accessible. In addition to the new elevators and two new staircases, crews upgraded platforms and installed new fare control areas. Woodhaven Blvd, which serves 3,500 daily riders, is the
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 25 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2025:
* * *
Federally Funded Project Includes Two New Elevators for ADA Accessibility, Two New Stairways, and State of Good Repair Work
* * *
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of two new elevators, making the Woodhaven Blvd J Z station fully accessible. In addition to the new elevators and two new staircases, crews upgraded platforms and installed new fare control areas. Woodhaven Blvd, which serves 3,500 daily riders, is thesecond subway station to be made accessible in 2025, (after the Westchester Sq-East Tremont Av 6 station) and the final station included in ADA Bundle 2.
The project includes two new street-to-platform elevators, two new stairways, and four replaced stairways to enhance passenger circulation, and new ADA boarding areas with platform edges and tactile warning strips. A number of safety enhancements were made in the station, including a new fire alarm system, CCTV cameras, upgraded communications systems and digital information screens. Crews also installed six new turnstiles, upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and performed extensive state of good repair work including replacing platforms and windscreens, and made steel and concrete repairs.
Woodhaven Blvd J Z is the first MTA accessibility project built to bypass an existing mezzanine using direct to platform elevators. This design allows customers to reach the platform with only one elevator, simplifying and speeding up the trip. It also allows the MTA to build one fewer elevator compared with past station designs, saving time and cost, while improving the customer experience. As part of this improved accessible design, the project created two new entrances on the east side of Woodhaven Blvd with new fare control areas and new staircases. The new entrances allow customers to access the station without crossing the many lanes of traffic on Woodhaven Blvd, a further improvement to the customer experience at the station.
"Not only will this benefit seniors, people with disabilities, and parents and caretakers with kids in strollers, but by throwing out the playbook the MTA saved $40 million on this project before construction began and another $8 million thanks to efficiencies during construction," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "As always, we need to thank our federal partners - the funding support from the FTA made this project possible."
"Through innovation and sound project management, the MTA is making historic investments in accessibility and delivering projects better, faster, and cheaper than ever," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "At Woodhaven Boulevard, we ensured this century old station is accessible and reliable for future generations of Queens residents."
"Woodhaven riders are now benefitting from increased accessibility and connectivity, all thanks to completed upgrades at the Woodhaven Blvd J Z station. This is especially important as we prepare to launch a redesigned bus network in Queens, which will make accessible subway stations like this true hubs that connect to our 100% accessible bus fleet," said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. "As an added bonus, enhancements like new staircases, platform repairs, and safety improvements will make every customer's experience better and advance our mission of improving safety and service throughout the transit system."
"The design of Woodhaven Blvd J Z is a great example of how the MTA is continuing to innovate to the benefit of our customers," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. "By bypassing the existing mezzanine, we are able to give a quicker, more direct trip for our customers who use elevators, while delivering two new entrances that allow existing customers to avoid crossing the nine-lane Woodhaven Blvd. It is not just new elevators, but a completely new customer experience."
The project showcased the innovative approach to capital delivery undertaken by MTA Construction & Development. By utilizing two direct to platform elevators, the project delivered better, more direct access to the station for customers. This approach also saved approximately $40 million from the project budget before construction even began by avoiding the need to construct a third elevator and perform extensive structural reconstruction of the existing mezzanine. Once the project entered construction, efficient project management delivered another $8 million in construction savings, bringing the accessibility project and station renewal in for a total $140 million.
The project was made possible by support from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in the form of a $177 million grant. The surplus funding from that grant will be redirected to support other vital capital projects across the MTA.
Approximately 22.5% of the project budget was awarded to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms. The project's contractor is a joint venture between MLJ Contracting Corp and TC Electric, LLC., and the elevator manufacturer and installer is Modern Elevator.
Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design, Points of Observation is an expansion of artwork by Kathleen McCarthy, installed at the station in 1990. Thirteen new glass panels by McCarthy, an artist and ecologist, contain imagery of diamondback terrapins and cross sections of a pine seedling and a corn stem that juxtapose the original metal sculptures: three large-scale heads forms. McCarthy's original work titled Five Points of Observation (1990) is one of MTA Arts & Design's earliest permanent commissions. The artwork was comprised of five copper mesh heads placed at varying angles at five stations on the J line. With this reconfiguration, placements at 111 St and 104 St stations remain, while the forms from Cypress Hills and 75 St stations have been transferred to Woodhaven Blvd station to join the existing sculpture. The new imagery takes the installation beyond the singular human focus. Transparent areas in both glass and metal mediums offer riders interesting points of observation between the platform and streetscape, giving new life to a well-known work.
ADA Package 2 is part of the MTA's larger accessibility initiative. Package 2 provided improvements to eight subway stations throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx: Westchester Sq-East Tremont Av 6, 181 St A, Queensboro Plaza 7 N W, 8 Av N, Court Sq G, Woodhaven Blvd J Z, and elevator replacements at Marcy Av J M Z and Flushing Av J M.
"This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering efforts of the Woodhaven community, which I am honored to represent," said Representative Nydia M. Velazquez. "Nearly 35 years ago, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities. This $150 million upgrade project marks a significant milestone for the Woodhaven community and a vital step toward making transit more accessible for all New Yorkers."
"Today marks a significant milestone for our community as we celebrate the completion of Woodhaven Boulevard station's accessibility upgrades," said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. "Ensuring that our transit system is accessible to everyone is not just a legal obligation, but a moral one. This project reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive New York, where all residents can navigate our city's transportation network with ease and dignity."
"As a proud Woodhaven resident and the first representative from the neighborhood in a generation, I thank the MTA for this total makeover of the Woodhaven Blvd J Z station," said Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar. "It is now fully accessible, boasting two beautiful new elevators that will make it a welcoming space for all New Yorkers. This will provide unprecedented mobility for so many people in my district, where every rapid transit option is a blessing. The Woodhaven Blvd station also has a new fire alarm system and security cameras, making it safer than ever before, and a host of upgrades so that everything is in excellent shape for my constituents."
"It is wonderful to see MTA investments that make New York City accessible for all New Yorkers," said Council Member Joann Ariola. "With these new elevators and faregates in the station, people with mobility devices and strollers will have easier access when traveling on the subway."
"The installation of elevators and the completion of other upgrades at the Woodhaven Boulevard subway station will greatly benefit disabled people and all those who seek to use this important station," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "With the completion of this work, our transit system is getting even closer toward its goal of being fully accessible for all of its riders. I commend the MTA and its federal partners for taking this major step forward in accessibility, and I look forward to seeing the additional progress that will be coming on this front in the near future."
* * *
Original text here: https://mta.info/press-release/mta-announces-opening-of-fully-accessible-woodhaven-blvd-jz-station
Georgia Does Doge: Lt. Governor Burt Jones Announces Introduction of Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025
ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 25 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2025:
Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced a priority for the 2025 Legislative Session, a state-level DOGE, the "Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025". The Act builds on the work done during the 2024 session to cut government regulation, boost small businesses, and expand economic opportunities throughout Georgia.
"Last year, we made positive changes to combat burdensome and costly regulations on behalf of workers and business owners all over Georgia," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "As a business
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 25 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2025:
Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced a priority for the 2025 Legislative Session, a state-level DOGE, the "Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025". The Act builds on the work done during the 2024 session to cut government regulation, boost small businesses, and expand economic opportunities throughout Georgia.
"Last year, we made positive changes to combat burdensome and costly regulations on behalf of workers and business owners all over Georgia," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "As a businessowner, continuing our efforts to promote deregulation and free our businesses from harmful government red tape will continue to be a priority. Our state initiative complements DOGE, President Donald Trump's plan to create efficiency, while paring down unnecessary spending and eliminating bureaucratic red tape at the federal level. I look forward to Georgia leading the way and joining President Trump in reducing the size and scope of government, while promoting the growth of businesses across our state."
The "Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025" has several features. In order to ensure efficiency, all state agencies will be required to complete a top-to-bottom review of all agency rules and regulations every four years.
The bill will require agencies to account for the economic impact of all proposed rules and provide economic reports to the General Assembly when major rules are proposed. Under this initiative, state agencies will also be directed to reduce compliance and paperwork burdens on small businesses, when feasible. The bill will also give legislators the ability to request a "Small Business Impact Analysis" for pending legislation to better understand how a bill might impact Georgia's most important job creators.
* * *
Original text here: https://ltgov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-01-24/georgia-does-doge-lt-governor-burt-jones-announces-introduction-red-tape
Ark. Gov. Sanders Signs Executive Order Amending DR 23-08 to Provide Funding for Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds on June 25, 2023
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Jan. 25 -- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Arkansas, issued the following executive order (No. EO 25-02) on Jan. 24, 2025:
* * *
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:
EXECUTIVE ORDER AMENDING DR 23-08 TO PROVIDE FUNDING, AS AUTHORIZED BY ARK. CODE ANN. Sec. 12-75-114
WHEREAS: On or about June 25, 2023, severe storms and straight-line winds struck Arkansas, causing dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state, which in turn, warrant this executive action;
WHEREAS: Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon citizens and public properties
... Show Full Article
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Jan. 25 -- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Arkansas, issued the following executive order (No. EO 25-02) on Jan. 24, 2025:
* * *
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:
EXECUTIVE ORDER AMENDING DR 23-08 TO PROVIDE FUNDING, AS AUTHORIZED BY ARK. CODE ANN. Sec. 12-75-114
WHEREAS: On or about June 25, 2023, severe storms and straight-line winds struck Arkansas, causing dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state, which in turn, warrant this executive action;
WHEREAS: Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon citizens and public propertieswithin the State of Arkansas;
WHEREAS: The affected political subdivisions require supplemental assistance from the state to recover from these losses; and
WHEREAS: DR 23-08 was signed on July 14, 2023, in response to these storms.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, and pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. Sec.Sec. 12-75-101, et seq., do hereby amend Proclamation DR 23-08 (dated July 14, 2023) to provide funding in the amount of $548,279.79, to be obligated from the Governor's Disaster Response and Recovery Fund under the Public Assistance Program. Such funds will be used at the discretion of the Director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management to defray both program and administrative costs.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 24th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2025.
* * *
Original text here: https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/sanders-signs-executive-order-amending-dr-23-08-to-provide-funding-for-severe-storms-and-straight-line-winds-on-june-25-2023/
