FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Hochul Signs Into Law Two Priority Bills Advocated By Willett Public Affairs
Bills will boost economic development for the City of New Rochelle and reform the public works contracting process for construction contractors and subcontractors in New York State
NEW YORK, December 23, 2021 – Two major bills that Willett Public Affairs (Willett) successfully drafted, negotiated, and lobbied for during the 2021 legislative session have been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The Construction Industry Public Contracting Advisory Council bill (Ch. 782, Laws of 2021) and the New Rochelle Parkland Improvement and Economic Development bill (Ch. 799, Laws of 2021) take effect immediately.
Perry Ochacher, president of Willett Public Affairs said, “Securing enactment of these two bills by Governor Hochul is a significant achievement for the Willett team and our clients. The process was complicated, long and demanding. It required the collaboration of many parties working in a challenging environment impacted by Covid and against some very hard deadlines. We prevailed and ensured that our clients achieved their objectives.”
The Construction Industry Public Contracting Advisory Council bill was originated by the New York Electrical Contractors Association and strongly supported by the Subcontractors Trade Association. The City of New Rochelle requested the New Rochelle Parkland Improvement and Economic Development bill and worked closely with Twining Properties/Pratt Landing Partners to secure its passage.
Now that the Construction Industry Public Contracting Advisory Council bill has been signed into law it will, for the first time ever, bring together state legislators, regulators, construction contractors and subcontractors, labor, and other stakeholders, to create a 23-member temporary Construction Industry Advisory Council on Public Contracting Reform. Their objective will be the implementation of solutions that will change New York State’s public contracting process and make it easier and fairer for contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects.
The New Rochelle Parkland Improvement bill will help the city facilitate a major economic development opportunity, create public waterfront access, allow for significant environmental remediation at Echo Bay, and preserve and rehabilitate the New Rochelle Armory. In addition, the bill will also assist the city as it works on its exciting and transformational vision for the New Rochelle community and the region. The complexity of the bill required Willett to work closely with a local municipality, state regulatory agencies and several state legislators. The successful outcome was a creative land-use solution that will help facilitate a major local development opportunity with significant benefits for residents and visitors to New Rochelle.
---ENDS---
About Willett Public Affairs
Willett Public Affairs (Willett) is a respected and battle-tested government relations and public affairs firm for businesses and trade associations seeking to impact public policy in New York. Willett provides a broad range of consulting services including state and city lobbying, grants and project funding, contract procurement, political intelligence, strategic planning, and land use consulting. Willett acts as an advocate for its clients on key legislative and regulatory issues, and procures valuable state and local contracts for clients' goods and services. For more information: https://www.willettpublicaffairs.com
Press Contact:
Perry Ochacher
Willett Public Affairs
Tel: 914-319-9173
For Willett Public Affairs
Evan Bloom
Fortress Strategic Communications
Tel: 315-744-4912
(Photo courtesy Office of the Governor)